Tag Archives: Independent Film Screenplay

And the last lost episode for the Locker 13 movie…it’s appropriately tited, L.O.C.K.E.R. and it was written by Jason Marsden:

BLACK.

FADE IN:

INT. WAREHOUSE – DAY

ECU on a LOCKER. Locker THIRTEEN, to be exact. It stands alone, atop of a Roman pedestal, heroically in the center of a large, black room. Locker 13, appears heavy, thick, weathered and ominous…but enough about that.

Across from Locker 13 is an audience of FARMERS. Several rows of chairs, inhabited by a group of old-ish, denim overall wearing, bearded, land owners of yore. They sit patiently when:

A DOOR opens from the black background, illuminating BRIGHT

WHITE LIGHT that floods the inside of vast room. From the door, at a quick pace, walks EDGAR JACKSASSY (30), smartly dressed and slick, followed by his minion, GUNTHAR RETCH (29) a lowly composite. Edgar walks pointedly towards the farmers, pulls himself up a metal chair right in front of Locker 13 and after a beat says to the group:

EDGAR

Chickens.

Gunther, stands off to the side. Obediently watching Edgar.

The Farmers, listen…intrigued.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

The Earth’s full of ’em. We all gotta have ’em. You’re familiar with how that goes I don’t have to tell you. (beat) But where do you PUT ’em?

Angle on the Farmers as they react with the occasional “harfrumps, and hmmmphs”.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Sure, a coop. Right? A coop for all their little chicken toes and chicken fingers to get caught, maybe broken?

Gunthar giggles to himself.

GUNTHAR

Chicken fingers.

Edgar shoots him a look. It freezes the room. Gunthar giggles again. Edgar composes himself and continues.

EDGAR

I know farmers. I like farmers. Heck, I’m like a farmer myself. Outstanding-in-my-field!

He impresses himself with his own joke and chuckles. The farmers weren’t amused. Gunthar is still trying to figure it out.

Edgar breaks the silence by marching up to Locker 13 and slapping it on the side! A dreadful, hollow, metallic sound reverberates from the slam! It grabs everyone’s attention. Edgar continues.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

This is what you came here for! This is what you need. The EA JACKSASSY, military production unit…L.O.C.K.E.R.!

Big hero shot of Locker 13! It’s ominous and spooky sitting in the middle of the room. It’s as if the other lockers just don’t want to hang around him.

Gunthar wheels in a tray of, we-don’t-know-what, underneath a velvet sheet. Edgar walks around Locker 13 as he explains.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

The war’s over. But the battle has just begun! Military doesn’t need these anymore because we’re suddenly “pro” life. Goodness gracious. And at the same time, people want their chickens roaming the country side and free! Free range! Free range! Give a chicken free range and next thing you know it’s gonna want to vote!

Gunthar thinks about chickens voting.

The Farmers seem in agreement.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Do you know how many KFC’s there are in this country alone? Koo Koo Roos? Popeyes? Roscoes? El Pollo Locos? Stir fry, country fry, chow main, baked, broiled, sandwich, salad, I don’t have to tell you! Everyone needs chicken! “What about the vegetarians”, you say? Sure, there are plenty of hippies, dippys, yuppies and buppies, in the world. But our planet isn’t going vegetarian yet! We’re carnivores by nature! So rest easy my friends, for you have job security.

The farmers are lost and they’re seeming less interested.

Gunthar, is just lost. Edgar, ramps it up!

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Human kind is jonesing for fowl and you are the dealers! Demands will rise, as well as your stock! Cages are ‘spensive! And are you really gonna be the hillbilly bufoon on your block with thousands of chickens roaming the hillside like the Sound of fucking Music?! NO!(beat) That’s why you need this.

Edgar, returns his attention to Locker 13, touching the cool steel.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Made from the alloy, Killiusearthanium. This shit was top secret. Still is. Adamantium is pudding next to this. One, sixteenth of an inch thick. That’s paper thin!

Just as he says this, from the table of goodies, Gunthar, produces a perfectly timed paper lined hoop for Edgar to punch through in punctuation!

EDGAR (CONT’D)

But with hulk-like density.

Also from the goody cart, Gunthar hands Edgar a .44, which he cocks and points at Locker 13.

Edgar double takes as he notices a lone, dead, chicken resting at the bottom of the locker. Without missing a beat:

EDGAR (CONT’D)

That one was already dead.

ECU through the BULLET HOLE on the side of the locker, right to Edgar, who looks to Gunthar, indicating for him to “take care of it”.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Gunthar.

As Gunthar crosses, Edgar scoops the gum (Gunthar’s been chewing all this time) from Gunthar’s mouth and covers up the bullet hole on the sly.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Tragic. She was my favorite. In fact, that was her name, Tragic. She was the sick one.

As Gunthar collects the dead chicken, fresh BLOOD squirts out of the bullet wound, spraying Edgar and the Farmers. Gunthar, quickly runs out to dispose of the carcass. Edgar breaks the tension, by SLAMMING the locker door shut!

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Anyway. L.O.C.K.E.R. 13 is also predator proof! Anything kept inside, stays inside. Including odors. Foxes, wolves, possums, any carnivore with a keen sense of smell, and with chicken on it’s menu, will never detect your valuable feathered friends if kept in this baby. Gunthar!

Gunthar runs to attention as a rogue chicken innocently hobbles by. Edgar maliciously snatches it up! Then cradles it in his arms, kindly strokes it’s neck as he continues:

EDGAR (CONT’D)

For example. Pretend Gunthar, is a predator! A squat, ugly, ravenous beast that hasn’t eaten in weeks.

Gunthar, licks his lips, bears his “claws” and pretends to stalk and attack the chicken in Edgar’s arms. Just as he gets close enough, Edgar flings out his fist and WHAM! punches Gunthar in the face! Gunthar, spins from the impact and sails to the ground. Edgar continues to the farmers.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Now you shouldn’t have to exert yourself like that. Save it for your wives and daughters, eh? Your hands are your investment! Instead of challenging the problem with your fists, eliminate the problem altogether! (to Gunthar) Gunthar!

Now say the predator happens to miraculously sense the chicken inside our locker right here. Which he won’t. But let’s say he does.(pointedly to Gunthar) Say, the worm infested, mange covered, diseased, gluttonous little bitch, approaches LOCKER 13 and tries to get inside. Go ahead. Try and get inside.

Gunthar looks to Edgar, sheepish. He doesn’t wanna. Edgar shoots him a look.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Go on now. That a boy.

Gunthar pretends to paw and claw at the locker door.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

That’s it, now try and bite it.

Gunthar reacts, confused.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Try to take a bite out of it. Open your mouth, really wide, then place your teeth around the corner there.

Gunthar, with trepidation, opens his mouth wide and places it on the corner of the locker. Just then ZZZZZZZAP!!!!

LOCKER 13, vibrates with colorful bolts of electricity like a

Tesla-Coil! Smoke emanates from the door, as well as Gunthar’s eyes, mouth, and ears! His hair stands on end.

His mouth, fused to the locker!

Edgar produces a STUN GUN, which he has jabbed onto the backside of the locker, unbeknownst to everyone. He releases the charge and a smoking Gunthar, falls to the floor.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

As a special bonus, not included in the final sale, we can equip L.O.C.K.E.R. 13 with a stun device, that would react not unlike the way you just saw. (beat) But what the heck, cuz I like you guys. I’ll just go ahead and throw it in for free!

I don’t know if I mentioned this, but L.O.C.K.E.R. 13 is the last one of its kind. The only one left in the entire state of Arizona! The only one left on this planet! Every land owner, barn-hand, and chicken farmer would sell me their youngest daughter for one of these (beat) What say we start opening bids!

Gunthar springs to his feet, albeit a bit wobbly, and holds up a sign reading “$1000.00”.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

One thousand dollars. For L.O.C.K.E.R. 13 and free predator deterrent. (re: fried chicken) And chicken dinner for one. Who’ll start the bidding at one thousand? One thousand dollars.

The Farmers ain’t biting.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Ah. We’re all here for a bargain, aren’t we. Well I beg your pardon. Nine-fifty!

Gunthar scrambles to find a sharpee in his pocket and crosses out “$1000” and writes “$950”.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Let’s open the bids at nine-fifty! (ala auctioneer)Nine-fifty,doIhearnine-fifty,ninefifty,rightherenine-fifty…

He trails off as the Farmers continue to stare, stoic.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

(to Gunthar) Let’s go to eight hundred.

Gunthar crosses off “$950” and scribbles “$800”.

The Farmers don’t budge. Edgar grows restless.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

(to Gunthar) No no no. Make it seven. Seven hundred.

Gunthar scribbles. Edgar tries the Farmers for approval.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Seven? How about six?

Gunthar makes the change.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

This is a military device here, gentleman! Billions of dollars in research went into…

Farmers don’t care.

Edgar’s finger is throbbing.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Alright, but I’m gonna get in trouble with my bosses if I… (new thought) Hey. If you don’t tell ’em. I won’t. Five-fifty.

Gunthar is growing weary of the changes. There is very little room left on the sign. ANGLE on the FARMERS – one, raspberries in disapproval.

Edgar stares at them with disappointment. He sizes them up like spoiled children. Finally he offers.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Seventy-five dollars?

A Farmer, FARMER #1, raises his hand.

Edgar jumps with excitement!

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Seventy-five dollars! (auction mode) Seventy-five, we got seventyfiveseventy-fivedollars. Do I hear two hundred?! Who wants to give me two hundred? TwohundreddoIheartwohundred…

He continues vying for two hundred as Gunthar finds a new piece of paper and writes “$200” on it. The Farmers aren’t budging. The bidding Farmer sits back, proud. Edgar is losing ’em.

EDGAR (CONT’D)

Two hundred? No two hundred WegotseventyfiveI’mlookin. ‘fortwohundred. Seventy-fivetotwohundred? Seventyfiveto…eighty. Can I get eighty?

A different Farmer, FARMER #2, raises his hand. Farmer #1 scowls in offense.

Gunthar leaps to. The winning Farmer, celebrates. The other Farmers offer congratulations, rise from their seats and pile out.

We stay with Edgar, who retreats to the background, removes a pack of gum from his pants pocket, unwraps it and sticks it in his mouth in disgust.

SOFT in the FG: We can make out the commotion of Gunthar removing L.O.C.K.E.R. 13 from it’s pedestal and wheeling it out with the winning Farmer as Edgar shakes his head and checks his wounded finger.

After the Farmers exit, we FOLLOW Edgar as he makes the long walks back towards the door from whence he came. He throws open the door, bathing us in light and enters: INT. BACK WAREHOUSE – CONTINUOUS

A florescent lit kitchenette! There’s a fridge, water dispenser, several cabinets, drawers, rows of various tea, a coffee machine, plate of bagels and a vegetable plate. Edgar grabs a bottled water from the fridge, a bottle of vitamins from the cupboard, his favorite tea bag, and favorite mug, which he fills up with piping hot water. He searches for a band-aid, for his wounded finger, shortly followed by a change of shirt. He then unscrews the water bottle and dilutes the tea with a bit of cold so’s he can drink it right away. Gunthar enters and crosses frame.

GUNTHAR

I’m sorry I…

EDGAR

Shut up. No one asked your opinion.

GUNTHAR

You didn’t have to…

EDGAR

(mocking) You didn’t have to… (then) Just, shove them in there so we can get on with round two!

Gunthar Exits.

OFF SCREEN – We hear deep, guttural, BARKING sounds and Gunthar, opening a cage. We hear him ad-libbing distress as he is attempts to wrangle some boisterous, unseen, animals. We hear the sound of a door opening. A familiar, METALLIC DOOR. And Gunther, forcing the animals into it. Finally, he manages to corral all the creatures before finally slamming the door. A familiar METALLIC SLAM!

We PAN over to find Gunthar, pushing another L.O.C.K.E.R. on a dolly. The BARKING sounds are muffled, almost mute. Edgar, slaps a sticker marked “13” on the side.

Behind them, ala Raiders of the Lost Ark, HUNDREDS of L.O.C.K.E.Rs waiting to be sold.

Gunthar pushes the dolly through frame, we HOLD on Edgar.

Who gulps his tea, straightens his jacket, places his hair, and walks out of the room. We CONTINUE with him as he makes the long walk back to the pedestal, where Gunthar has placed the new L.O.C.K.E.R. 13. We PAN around to find, an audience of ESKIMOS! All decked out in their thick, winter coats, spears, etc. We continue PANNING, resting on Edgar, sitting in a chair, just like in the beginning. He looks at the Eskimos and after a BEAT, says:

Here is part 2 to the unfilmed segments of Locker 13. This next one is written by Adam Montierth and is called, Apache Tears:

FADE IN:

EXT. GOLDFIELD NEW MEXICO 1885 – DUSK

Five MEN on horseback ride slowly into town. The TOWNSFOLK eye the men suspiciously.

The lead horse carries a large grizzled man in dark leather. He is JACOB CALHOUN. He grins ominously with a full set of dirty teeth and looks over at his younger brother, RUSS CALHOUN. Russ smiles too, mimicking his Brother, but he is missing most of his teeth.

Russ is a thin reed with wild hair, resembling a weasel more than a man. He turns to look at the three following close behind.

One of the men has a face full of scars, aptly nicknamed SCARFACE. The man on the other side is horribly disfigured with a burn covering his bald head and half of his face, nicknamed ASH.

Russ frowns at the RIDER in the middle. He is a stark difference to the others, as he is ruggedly good looking.

He has strong hard features. It looks as if God made him out of granite.

RUSS CALHOUN

Why’d ya hafta bring him? He’s trouble I’m tellin’ ya.

JACOB CALHOUN

We need a safe guy, don’t worry he knows Sanchez.

RUSS CALHOUN

But I’ve seen his face before.

JACOB CALHOUN

Probably with Sanchez.

Russ looks back at Rider who gives him a steely gaze.

The men ride up to the bank in the center of town and hitch their horses on the post in front.

Scarface and Ash stay on their horses, the others dismount.

JACOB CALHOUN (CONT’D)

Now you two bone heads keep your eyes peeled this time.

SCARFACE

Boss, he’s as skittish as a mule.

ASH

Me? You’re as skittish as a Jack Ass.

SCARFACE

A Jack Ass is a mule…

JACOB CALHOUN

Enough! If’n you two… Don’t try me.

Scarface and Ash both nod. Then they turn to each other and glare daggers. Jacob turns to the others.

JACOB CALHOUN (CONT’D)

Alright, stick to the plan. Let’s go.

Jacob, Russ, and Rider head for the bank’s front door.

Before they have a chance to go in, a beautiful WOMAN in cowboy dress comes out of the bank.

It is HELENA STORM. She appears to be half Native

American and half Caucasian. She looks up at the three men and locks eyes with Rider in surprise.

A moment of recognition arises, as both pause in awkward silence. Riders eyes seem to plead with her.

HELENA STORM

Terence…

Russ snaps his fingers in remembrance and points at Rider.

RUSS CALHOUN

Terence Dean, I knew it. Marshal…Terence Dean!

Jacobs’ eyes squint in anger.

Russ goes for his gun, but MARSHAL TERENCE DEAN is too fast for him and immediately has his six shooter out and guns him down. Scarface’s horse jolts from the gun shot.

ASH

Let’s get outta here.

Jacob draws his Colt 45 and immediately grabs Helena from behind. He puts his gun to her head as Marshal trains his gun on him. Ash and Scarface ride off in a cloud of frantic dust.

Marshal Dean evaluates the situation as each man pauses in stalemate. Jacob eyes his brothers motionless form on the ground beside him. He quivers in rage as he spits his words out at Marshal Dean.

JACOB CALHOUN

You’ll pay dearly for that, Marshal. Now throw your gun down or I open up another hole in this pretty little thing’s head.

Marshal puts his hands up in surrender. He slowly and carefully places his pistol on the ground.

JACOB CALHOUN (CONT’D)

Now, see? That wasn’t so hard.

Jacob swings his gun around to the Marshal, but before he’s able to shoot, Helena lays an elbow hard into his face. In a flash she brings up a knife from her other hand and stabs Jacob in his shooting arm. He drops his gun.

Helena steps back. Jacob yells in pain and frustration as he looks up to stare at the barrel of Marshal Terence Dean.

Jacob freezes.

Marshal looks over at Helena, still in shock at the sight of her.

TERENCE DEAN

Helena. You’re alive!

Helena smiles at him, unsure of what to say.

Jacob smiles at her with an evil glint in his eyes.

JACOB CALHOUN

(Whispers.) Helena.

Terence clubs Jacob in the face with the back of his revolver.

EXT. GOLDFIELD NEW MEXICO – MORNING

The sun rises over the desert landscape. A stagecoach is drawn up to the jailhouse.

The door opens and Terence comes out with Jacob in handcuffs. Jacob has a bad bruise on his face left from the events of the previous day.

The towns’ SHERIFF follows them out carrying a bag. He throws it on the stagecoach.

SHERIFF

Do you really think it’s wise to leave so soon?

TERENCE DEAN

Jacob’s a popular man, the Judge in Tombstone’s anxious to see him. He’s got a date with the reaper.

SHERIFF

Give me time to send for my two Deputies. They can go with you.

Terence puts Jacob in the stagecoach and handcuffs him to the iron bars on the doors window.

Helena Storm walks over to the Stagecoach from across the street.

TERENCE DEAN

Thank you Sheriff, but we’ll be fine.

The Sheriff tips his hat and goes back inside.

Jacob smirks at the sight of Helena. Terence slams the door in his face. Terence walks over to meet her.

TERENCE DEAN (CONT’D)

I thought maybe you were a mirage. We didn’t get to talk last night before you disappeared. But thank you for coming to see me off.

HELENA STORM

Terence, I didn’t come to see you off, I’m the driver. This is my coach.

Helena has a hard time looking Terence in the eyes. She busies herself with getting the Stagecoach ready.

TERENCE DEAN

What? Helena, what the hell is going on here? I thought you were…I mean…the fire-

HELENA STORM

Yeah, the fire. There was a bad storm, lightning hit. I tried to stop the fire, but it was no use.

TERENCE DEAN

You were no where to be found, you made me think-

HELENA STORM

I made you…? Look, you were better off. I couldn’t wait for you forever.

TERENCE DEAN

I had work to do. I told you I’d be back.

HELENA STORM

You were gone for 13 months. I had to move on.

TERENCE DEAN

So the fire gave you a chance to start a new life?

HELENA STORM

Yeah, something like that.

FATHER WINTERS shows up. He looks uncomfortable with interrupting the heated conversation.

TERENCE DEAN

Father.

Father Winters nods politely and hands Helena his bag.

She secures it to the top of the stagecoach.

The Father opens the stagecoach door and hesitates at the sight of the prisoner in handcuffs. Jacob smiles wickedly.

JACOB CALHOUN

Father. How the hell are ya?

Father Winters nods politely and enters the stagecoach, clutching his Bible tightly.

TERENCE DEAN

Helena say something? You’re still my wife.

HELENA STORM

Another time and place maybe. You weren’t made to settle down and I couldn’t wait for you. You ran away long before I did.

Terence stands before Helena not knowing what to say.

She climbs up to her perch on the front of the stagecoach and looks down at Terence expectantly.

He stares blankly. She slaps the reins and the stagecoach takes off. Terence catches the open door and enters. He closes the door and sits back dazed.

They ride out of town. Jacob gazes out of the window as the stagecoach passes a plain pine box where his brother lie still. The undertaker shuts the lid and begins to nail it into place.

INT. DEAN’S RANCH – NIGHT – PAST

The cabin has been recently decorated with the comforts of a newly wed couple.

A younger Terence and Helena are in their king sized bed looking lovingly into each others eyes. A fire illuminates the room.

TERENCE DEAN

So how is Mrs. Dean enjoying her second day of marriage?

HELENA STORM

Better than the first. Every day seems like a dream.

TERENCE DEAN

It should.

HELENA STORM

I’m afraid that I’ll wake up one morning and you’ll be gone.

TERENCE DEAN

I’m not going anywhere.

HELENA STORM

But you’re not a rancher.

TERENCE DEAN

I am now. I don’t miss it. Wasting my life chasing demons.

HELENA STORM

You were good at it. Too good.

TERENCE DEAN

Yes I was, but I’ll be a better rancher. This is my heaven. My reward for being good.

HELENA STORM

I hope it’s enough.

INT. STAGECOACH – DAY

Terence shifts uncomfortably in his seat, lost in thought. Jacob eyes him closely. He looks at his gun and then to his handcuffs at the window.

Terence catches him and smiles for the first time. Jacob scowls. The Priest quietly reads to himself.

JACOB CALHOUN

So how do you know Sanchez?

TERENCE DEAN

Hung him in Wells. Robbed a stagecoach, killed the driver.

JACOB CALHOUN

Who hasn’t?

TERENCE DEAN

Had a nice chat before he swung. Told me where to find ya.

The Stagecoach begins to slow. Terence becomes alarmed.

He eyes Jacob suspiciously, who shrugs his shoulders.

Terence looks over at the Priest and then pokes his head out the window to see what’s up.

EXT. STAGECOACH – DAY

The Stagecoach comes to a halt. Terence exits, guns drawn. Helena grabs her rifle and jumps down from her seat. The Priest exits behind Terence.

JACOB CALHOUN

What about me?

TERENCE DEAN

Stay put Father!

The Priest hangs back with Jacob.

Terence and Helena see an old wooden foot locker on the road with a rusted iron padlock on the front. They slowly approach the chest, looking around.

HELENA STORM

What is it?

TERENCE DEAN

Trouble.

They look at the chest puzzled. Suddenly, they hear a knock from the inside. They both jump back. The knocking ceases.

Terence slowly walks forward and knocks back on the wood.

The chest begins to rock back and forth as a frantic voice is heard muffled.

Terence looks up at Helena who looks nervous. He aims and shoots the lock off the chest and opens the lid. A little man, BENNY LANG, jumps out. He is gagged and tied up. Terence unties him.

TERENCE DEAN (CONT’D)

What the hell?

BENNY LANG

Thank you kindly. I thought I’d never see the light of day again.

TERENCE DEAN

How’d you get in there?

BENNY LANG

That is quite the story, and see’n as I like to tell them, should make for a good time. Got anything to drink first?

BENNY LANG(CONT’D)

I done poured out all my fluids in that thing, if’n you know what I mean.

Helena tosses him a water canteen. Benny drinks greedily. He finishes and wipes his mouth on his sleeve.

BENNY LANG (CONT’D)

Thank you again so kindly. There’s no end to your generosity. Ah yes, my current unfortunate predicament.

TERENCE DEAN

Cut to the quick, we need to move on.

HELENA STORM

Terence let him catch his bearings.

BENNY LANG

No need Ma’am, I’m sorry to delay. The situation is simple enough. Names Benny Lang, and I’m a gambler by profession. I happened on four fellers last night and they welcomed me into their camp. As is my nature, a poker game began and they didn’t take so kindly to my winning. They locked me in my trunk, evidently taking my wagon and all my worldly possessions with them, leaving me for dead. You’ve taken all the passion from my tale, in your haste, but there it is.

Terence takes an uneasy look around.

TERENCE DEAN(To Helena)

We need to move on.

BENNY LANG

Please sir, I don’t mean any disrespect to your generosity, but could you drop me off at the next stop.

TERENCE DEAN

I don’t think that’s a good idea.

Benny’s eyes plead with Terence. He looks to Helena for sympathy.

HELENA STORM

Terence we can’t leave him.

TERENCE DEAN

We’re only a half a day out, we’ll send someone back.

BENNY LANG

But sir, these men, were the unsavory types…

TERENCE DEAN

Evidently.

BENNY LANG

What if they come back? Plus, I don’t have food or water.

HELENA STORM

He can sit on top with me.

TERENCE DEAN

This is not a leisure trip. We are delivering a dangerous man.

HELENA STORM

Well then we better go now, but I won’t leave him.

Terence sighs in frustration, having dealt with her stubbornness before.

BENNY LANG

Thank you, thank you, I will be no trouble, I assure you. Heaven has sent two angels my way.

TERENCE DEAN

Let’s go.

Terence turns to go back to the stagecoach.

BENNY LANG

Please sir, could you help with my chest?

Terence turns back getting annoyed. Benny motions to the foot locker and smiles.

TERENCE DEAN

Leave it.

BENNY LANG

It’s my only possession now.

Terence looks at Helena and then back to Benny. He sighs again.

He walks over and closes the lid and then picks it up.

BENNY LANG (CONT’D)

Again, many thanks. You don’t know, it’s been in my family for generations. I will be no more trouble to you.

Terence hefts the trunk on top of the stagecoach.

Helena helps Benny to the perch as Terence walks over to her.

TERENCE DEAN

You keep your eyes open, I don’t trust him.

HELENA STORM

Do your job Marshall, I’ll do mine. When this is over, we can go back to our own lives.

TERENCE DEAN

You mean our life?

Helena’s only response is to look away.

Terence takes her hand and feels for her wedding ring.

TERENCE DEAN (CONT’D)

What if I told you this was my last job?

Helena looks him straight in the eye.

HELENA STORM

I’ve heard that before, remember?

Helena steps up to her seat on the stage coach and grabs the reigns.

Terence is again left standing there as Helena starts the horses. He has to rush to catch the stagecoach door and climb in.

INT. STAGECOACH – SAME

Jacob is smiling broadly.

JACOB CALHOUN

Never gets old.

FATHER WINTERS

What’s going on Marshall?

TERENCE DEAN

Luke, Father, chapter ten.

JACOB CALHOUN

The parable of the Good Samaritan.

Terence and Father Winters stare at Jacob who continues to smile.

JACOB CALHOUN (CONT’D)

With that in mind, my arm where your girlfriend dug her knife, is paining me. Is it possible to move my shackles?

TERENCE DEAN

When we get there.

JACOB CALHOUN

So kind.

TERENCE DEAN

Not another word.

Terence looks out the window at the passing red rock vistas.

EXT. DEAN’S RANCH – DAY – PAST

Young Helena exits the barn with a fresh bucket of milk.

In front of the house, she notices two US MARSHALS mounting their horses. Terence stands between them.

US MARSHAL # 1

See you day after tomorrow.

The Marshals see Helena, nod and then ride off.

Terence looks at Helena. She looks down worried and continues past him into their home. He tries to say something, but can’t find the words.

EXT. STAGECOACH – DAY

Benny and Helena sit silently on the perch. She steers the stagecoach through the winding desert, lost in thought. The sun is falling closer to the horizon.

BENNY LANG

Personally, I’m not one to settle down. Almost fell for a petite dancer in Georgetown, then I thought better of it and headed for the West. Heard the cards were highly regarded out here. They are, after all, my first love.

Helena smiles at Benny’s chatter, eager for a distraction from her thoughts.

BENNY LANG (CONT’D)

Love takes commitment. The kind a traveller like me can’t afford.

He pulls something out of his vest pocket.

BENNY LANG (CONT’D)

You know what this is?

Helena looks down. Benny is holding a deep black obsidian stone.

HELENA STORM

A rock?

BENNY LANG

Yes, but do you know what they call it?

HELENA STORM

(More hesitation.) A rock?

BENNY LANG

Yes, of course. But it’s much more than that. They call it an Apache Tear and it’s very rare. Do you know how it got it’s name?

Helena shakes her head no.

BENNY LANG (CONT’D)

Alright, story time. There is a legend behind the Apache Tear. There were two young Indian lovers who were from different tribes. They were warring factions of the Apache people. They were commanded to treat the other as hostile, but they desperately loved each other. They would meet in secret, making an oath of their undying love. When their tribes learned of their treachery, they were each sentenced to death unless they denounced their love. They would not. Each one escaped from their tribe and they met again on the cliff of the mountain top, with the tribes in pursuit. With no other option before them, they jumped off the cliff to their death. Legend has it, the Apache Tears were made when the mountain wept.

HELENA STORM

That’s a beautiful story.

BENNY LANG

Commitment and sacrifice is true love.

Helena turns away with a tear in her eye.

HELENA STORM

That’s why it’s so rare.

INT. STAGECOACH – DAY

Terence is also lost in thought. Jacob eyes him closely.

JACOB CALHOUN

I’m gonna kill you. You know that?

Terence snaps into the present.

JACOB CALHOUN (CONT’D)

For killin’ my Brother. You shouldn’t a done that.

Father Winters looks up from reading his Bible.

TERENCE DEAN

Actually, you killed him.

JACOB CALHOUN

How’s that?

TERENCE DEAN

Your life led you to that moment. You created it years ago when you became an outlaw. What do they say Father? Live by the sword, die by the sword? Only our swords have changed, haven’t they?

Terence pats the six shooter on his hip.

JACOB CALHOUN

Your moment’s coming Marshall.

Suddenly, the stagecoach begins to slow again.

Jacob smiles knowingly.

Alarmed, Terence pokes his head out of the window to see what’s going on.

EXT. STAGECOACH – DUSK

The stagecoach comes to a complete stop.

Terence exits with his guns drawn.

TERENCE DEAN

I told you not to stop.

Terence stops in his tracks and stares into the tree before him.

Two men ominously swing on nooses in the large oak tree by the road. The first has a crude sign painted on him in red that reads, “Horse thief”.

TERENCE DEAN (CONT’D)

This is not right.

Terence swings around just as one of Jacob’s men, Ash, comes rushing around the back of the stagecoach with a rifle. Terence raises his pistol.

SCARFACE

I wouldn’t do that Marshall. Drop your guns.

Terence slowly turns to find Scarface swinging in the trees with the first man, but he is very much alive and has two six shooters aimed directly at him.

Helena reaches for her rifle, but Ash is there to take it from her.

ASH

I don’t think so little darlin. You and the boy jump down.

BENNY LANG

Who you calling a boy? I’ve more whiskers than you.

Helena and Benny climb down from the stagecoach.

JACOB CALHOUN

You bone heads gonna keep me in here all day. I need the key in Marshall’s left vest pocket.

Ash walks over and cautiously approaches Terence.

SCARFACE

Marshall, why don’t you kindly throw my buddy the key then.

Terence looks up at Scarface who cocks his guns.

He takes the key from his vest pocket and throws it to Ash, who rushes it over to Jacob.

Jacob unlocks his handcuffs and rubs his bandaged wrist.

Ash hands him a gun.

Jacob triumphantly walks up to Terence.

JACOB CALHOUN

Well, well, well. Who’s moment is it now Marshall?

Jacob looks over at the dead man next to Scarface.

JACOB CALHOUN (CONT’D)

Who’s that?

SCARFACE

He’s a horse thief. Where’d you think we got the idea.

JACOB CALHOUN

Get down from there.

Scarface struggles.

SCARFACE

Boss, I need help.

Jacob ignores him and turns back to Terence.

JACOB CALHOUN

You killed my Brother. Now it’s my turn.

Jacob turns to look at Helena. Terence moves towards Jacob who shoves a pistol in his face.

TERENCE DEAN

You got me, leave her alone.

JACOB CALHOUN

Or what, Marshall?

TERENCE DEAN

So help me, I will travel to hell to make you pay.

JACOB CALHOUN

Strong words, for a man in your position.

Jacob walks backwards towards Helena, with his gun drawn on Terence. He reaches her and looks around.

Terence looks to Benny who smiles wickedly. He holds a white wisp in his hand. The faint voice of Helena can be heard in the wisp.

HELENA STORM (From the wisp)

I love you Terence, I always will.

The Marshall jumps up and goes after Benny, who quickly climbs up to the top of the stagecoach and opens his wooden trunk. Terence advances and Benny jumps inside, slamming the door shut on top of him.

Terence pulls the trunk down off of the stagecoach and it crashes to the ground open, empty. Terence yells helplessly in the desert.

INT. SALOON – NIGHT

Another time, another place, a seemingly normal poker game proceeds in a dark and crowded saloon. Benny Lang is smiling and rakes in another deep pot with a full house, aces high.

The GAMBLER across the table sits unblinking. Benny folds up the deed on top of the stack and puts it in his jacket pocket.

GAMBLER

That’s it, that’s everything. What have I done? I’ve ruined myself and my family. I would do anything to have the last few minutes of my life back.

I bet you didn’t know that there were officially 3 segments of the movie Locker 13 that went unfilmed, due to the fact that we couldn’t raise the funds to shoot them during the recession of 2008. I thought it would be interesting to publish in the blog the 3 missing scripts, for those of you that liked Locker 13 and would like to read what could have been. Would’ve made for a VERY different movie.

Here’s the 1st one called, Midnight Blues:

BLACK.

DANTE (V.O.)

Nietzsche once said, “The advantage of a bad memory is that one enjoys several times the same good things for the first time.”

FADE IN:

EXT. CEMETERY – SOMETIME AFTER DUSK

A plain black casket lay closed on a pallet above a freshly dug grave. The casket is closed.

The cemetery is void of people, except DANTE CHARON. In profile, Dante is a pale white haired man dressed all in black. His hat in hand, he looks sadly at the casket as he says his last good-byes.

DANTE (V.O.) (CONT’D)

He never said anything about the bad times. There are some things we wish we could never remember. But sometimes…we have to. It’s the bad times that can remind us who we really are.

In silhouette, Dante looks up just as a CAR BACKFIRES, a flock of birds nearby release into the air with a start.

DANTE (V.O.) (CONT’D)

So I guess the reverse must be true as well. The burden of a good memory is that one must suffer often the painful memories HE holds…almost as if he’s paying some kind of endless penance for some past mistake…

Dante’s hand reaches down and cups some earth, he pauses a second…then tosses it into the grave.

DANTE (V.O.) (CONT’D)

But I guess that’s my fate. A life lived in solitude.

The morning sun hits Dante’s face. He is disfigured…

CLOSE-UP: DANTE’S EYE

His left eye is sealed shut and massive scars cover the surface from brow to cheek.

DANTE (V.O.) (CONT’D)

But it’s not only my life. I’ve made it my job.

Dante puts on his black hat. The hat of a chauffeur. He turns and walks toward a big black CADILLAC. But it’s no ordinary Cadillac.

It’s a HEARSE.

SMASH CUT TO:

INT. OFFICE – EVENING

A WOMAN screams.

It is SARA LIPTON, a middle-aged woman, stern and of fading beauty.

She wrestles with 2 YOUNG MEN. A hand with a rag filled with some kind of liquid is roughly placed over her mouth. She slowly goes slack and loses consciousness.

The men start laughing. One of them, JAKE, looks nervous. His eyes shift back and forth as a hand wipes nervously at a white powdered nose. The burly man, JIM, slaps Jake on the arm.

JIM

It worked!

Jake laughs at Jim and nods. He looks down at Sara and nudges her with his foot as she lays sprawled out ungenerously on the carpet.

JAKE

It’s payback, bitch!

CUT TO:

EXT. HEARSE – NIGHT

The Hearse door shuts.

Feet walk past to the back where it is parked next to a set of double doors.

The man in black passes a plaque that reads, “Phoenix City Morgue” on his way through the double doors.

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY – SAME

The man in black walks to an entry desk in the back. A MAN IN A WHITE LAB COAT sits with his feet up on the desk watching “Matlock” from a miniature television while chewing on a piece of beef jerky.

His name tag reads, “ROBERT DIENER”.

He looks up and just about chokes on his jerky.

ROBERT

Holy shit!

Robert sees the scarred eye of Dante for the first time.

Dante ignores the reaction and pulls a name tag out of his pocket and waves it at him. It reads, “Dante Charon, Green Acres Cemetery”. He taps a clipboard.

DANTE

Here for a pickup.

Robert tries to compose himself.

ROBERT

Course.

He shuffles some papers around. Can’t find what he’s looking for. Dante seems to make him nervous.

DANTE

New here?

ROBERT

I been round the block if that’s what you mean…

Robert lifts the TV and looks under it. Dante breathes out slowly.

DANTE

This block?

ROBERT

Damn! OK, so I been here about an hour, it’s my first shift, I just had that file…

Robert tries not to look at Dante’s eye. But it’s obviously freakin’ him out.

ROBERT (CONT’D)

Ok, ok. So? You’re makin’ me nervous ok, could happen to anyone.

DANTE

Which one?

Robert stops shuffling papers. He’s confused.

ROBERT

What? I wasn’t lookin’ at the eye if that’s what you mean…I mean it’s frickin’ strange and all, but I’m no peep…

Dante looks at the clipboard.

DANTE

Cold chamber. Which one?

ROBERT

Oh, locker 13.

Dante nods and exits through a large metal door.

Robert sits back down and breathes out a huge jet of air.

ROBERT (CONT’D)

Sorry, about the eye…thing…

He trails off talkin’ to himself.

CUT TO:

INT. COLD CHAMBER – SAME

CLOSE-UP: METAL LOCKER DOOR WITH THE LARGE “13” ON IT DEAD CENTER.

Dante unlatches the metal latch. Cold air rushes out of the locker. Dante pulls out the casket on rollers. He pushes it towards the metal door in the back.

CUT TO:

EXT. HEARSE – SAME

Dante loads the casket into the Hearse.

CUT TO:

INT. HEARSE – SAME

The door opens and Dante gets in and buckles up.

He lowers the visor to reveal a group of postcards, with a picture of Edward Hopper’s painting, “Nighthawks” on top. The postcards say, “Chicago Museum of Art” in the lower left hand corner of each card.

He takes the cards down and shuffles them until he finds the one he’s looking for. He puts them back under the visor with a picture of Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” on top.

He closes the visor and starts the engine.

He reaches down and pulls out a “Hall and Oates” CD. He puts it into the CD player and skips to song number 4.

CUT TO:

ESTABLISHING – The city at night.

The Hearse drives through the freeway at midnight.

Hall and Oates, “She’s Gone” plays in the background.

CUT TO:

INT. HEARSE FRONT SEAT – NIGHT

Dante thumps on the steering wheel with the music.

INT. HEARSE BACK – NIGHT

The casket lays in silence. Something’s not quite right. Something BUMPS softly from inside the casket.

INT. HEARSE FRONT SEAT – SAME

Dante looks out the rearview mirror.

CUT TO:

EXT. HEARSE – SAME

The Hearse pulls through the large metal gates of a cemetery.

CUT TO:

INT. HEARSE FRONT SEAT – SAME

Dante looks left and right as he slowly drives down the small path.

INT. HEARSE BACK – SAME

The THUMPING gets louder, more insistent.

HEARSE FRONT SEAT

Dante stops the car and listens.

HEARSE BACK

The THUMPING is very loud and panicky.

HEARSE FRONT SEAT

Dante turns the CD player off and hears the thumping coming from the back.

CUT TO:

EXT. HEARSE – NIGHT

Dante gets out and walks around to the back. He opens it and pulls out the casket on rollers. The THUMPING is very fast and LOUD now.

He opens up the casket and Sara Lipton sits up and gasps for air.

She looks very much the worse for wear. Her hair is a mess, her makeup smeared on her face, and wearing what appears to be a mechanics grey jumpsuit. Dante doesn’t look surprised.

SARA

What’s going on! Why did you put me in here?

DANTE

I didn’t put you in there.

SARA

Where am I and how did I get here?

DANTE

You’re in the Green Acres Cemetery and I drove you here.

Sara gets out of the coffin and dusts herself off. She gets hysterical and runs over and starts beating on Dante.

SARA

ARE YOU CRAZY? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT! THIS IS KIDNAPPING! I HAVE TO CALL THE POLICE…

Dante grabs her wrists and stops her from hitting him.

DANTE

Ma’am, calm down… I can help you through this.

She stops and cries.

SARA

You’ve done this before?

DANTE

I’ve helped people though a lot worse.

He points to his eye.

She notices it for the first time. This calms her down.

DANTE (CONT’D)

Do you remember who you are?

SARA

Of course I do, my name’s…

She’s puzzled. She can’t remember her name.

SARA (CONT’D)

My name is…

She’s terrified.

SARA (CONT’D)

I can’t remember…

Dante opens the car door and pulls out the clipboard.

DANTE

Sara Lipton.

She remembers.

SARA

YES! YES! Sara…of course my name is Sara!

He nods. She nods.

DANTE

Do you remember how you got in there?

She shakes her head. He shakes his head.

DANTE (CONT’D)

What’s the last thing you remember?

SARA

I remember working today. I’m a CPA…

CUT TO:

INT. OFFICE – DAY

Sara is at her desk, she’s yelling at someone.

SARA

That’s it! NO MORE CHANCES! I’m sick of the lies! The backstabbing! I won’t take it anymore…

She throws a file into a startled man’s lap.

SARA (CONT’D)

GET THE HELL OUT OF MY OFFICE! YOU’RE FIRED, JAKE!

CLOSE-UP: Jake.

Jake’s eyes are panicked.

JAKE

You can’t do this! I been with this firm 10 years, I can’t start over…

She pushes him toward the door.

SARA

I just did! I never want to see you around here again! Don’t come back…

He walks away, stunned.

She SLAMS the door.

SLAM CUT TO:

EXT. HEARSE – NIGHT

Her eyes remember little things, but her brow furrows.

SARA

I had a bad day today…I can remember some things…but not how I got here…

DANTE

It will come to you.

CUT TO:

INT. HOME – EVENING

Sara comes home to an empty house. She opens the front door, turns on the hall foyer light. She reads the mail on a side table.

Five years ago, Adam and I wrote a draft of Zombies Vs. Gladiators for Amazon Studios that never got picked up for option. We had a lot of fun with the process and I feel we came up with a pretty dang good script. Since the film will never see the light of day, I thought it would be interesting to make our draft available to people interested in the craft of screenwriting, so it can be viewed as intended, as a great writing sample and fun action flick.

Here’s the trailer we made for the script with artist Mike Patch:

Our description of the script:

Followed the Amazon Studio notes. Very tight, taunt version. Huge adventure, Raiders or Mummy. Zombie origin story, based on Roman Mythology and with historical references. War breaks out between the Senate and Flavius, with Titus and Lavinia, both kickass Gladiators, in the middle with a little time for a budding romance. We broadened the concept to be an epic 4 quadrant franchise-ready film.

We even did a really cool animatic clip with Mike Patch:

Apparently, after all this, Amazon Studios, hired horror master Clive Barker to write and direct a version of Zombies Vs. Gladiators in 2012, but we are still waiting eagerly for his film to be produced. Barker is a prolific novelist and artist, who has made frequent forays into film. He directed 1987’s Hellraiser, based on his novella The Hellbound Heart; he adapted and directed Nightbreed from his short story Cabal in 1990; and he executive produced 1992’s Candyman and its sequel Candyman 2: Farewell to the Flesh. In 1998, he executive produced Gods and Monsters, which won an adapted screenplay Oscar for Bill Condon.

Here’s the screenplay (warning, this is not in proper screenplay format as WordPress is limited in it’s formatting, but is posted here for your possible reading enjoyment):

EXT. ROME – DAY

Ancient Rome. The center of the known world. Buildings sprawl out in a majestic cityscape. A defensive structure — The Aurelian Walls — rings the city. At its center sits the massive oval of the Roman Colosseum.

A TITLE READS: ROME – 300 A.D.

Ext. Rome – comitum – establishing

Within the Roman Forum lies the Comitum, the center of public activity in Rome, where an open market is bustling with PEOPLE.

Ext. Rome – Street market – day

Two RUNNERS race through the crowded streets.

TITUS, (20) a strapping man, larger in stature than the average person, is clearly in the lead. He dodges effortlessly through a FAMILY carrying bags of grain.

He looks back to see RUNNER #2, push his way through the same family. Grain spills out everywhere and the family scrambles to save every precious piece.

Runner #2 is visibly tired and sweating profusely. He looks forward at Titus and smiles when he recognizes something ahead of them.

Titus turns just in time to dodge a curved dagger that swings out at him from a robed COMBATANT.

Titus looks to his assailant and then to Runner #2, who waves at him and then disappears around a corner.

Titus focuses back on Combatant #1. He slowly advances, calculating his every move.

Quickly in one swift motion he disarms his assailant. He throws the dagger to the ground.

Combatant #1 screams in rage and rushes Titus, who simply moves out of the way. Titus uses the man’s momentum and imbalance to push him into a nearby pottery display. Combatant #1 goes crashing into the booth head first. Amidst the chaos, Titus continues his race.

ExT. rome – market center – day

Rounding the corner, Titus runs to an open market area with PEDDLERS displayed around the edges with an open area in the middle.

There is a local well there with a line of PEOPLE with water containers waiting for their turn.

Titus immediately sees that Runner #2 has stopped on the far side. He is talking to another MAN.

Runner #2 is surprised to see Titus. He points from the other man to Titus and then runs off.

The other man, COMBATANT #2, pulls a longer dagger from his sheath and advances on Titus.

Titus stops running and prepares himself for a fight. They circle each other, and just before Titus leaps…

A ceramic pot crashes over his head. Titus is visibly dazed. He turns to find Combatant #1 holding the broken pot.

Titus struggles to remain conscious. He steps over to the well and grabs a wooden bucket from a small BOY who has just finished filling it. Titus dumps the water over his own head.

Feeling a bit better now, he shakes the remaining water off. He faces the two combatants, ready for the next melee.

Combatant #2 rushes forward with his long dagger. Titus blocks the knife lunge with the wooden bucket and then swings back to smash Combatant #2 square in the face. The man goes down in an unconscious heap.

Combatant #1, not learning from his first experience, yells again and rushes Titus.

Titus sighs and sidesteps. Titus again uses the mans momentum and imbalance to push him into the well. Combatant #1 flips over the edge and splashes into the water far below.

Titus looks around to find a small CROWD has now gathered to witness the action.

He smiles briefly and hands the bucket back over to the small boy. The boy holds the bucket like a prize.

Titus runs off.

Ext. Rome – edge of the city – day

Titus sprints through the streets dodging through congested areas.

He reaches a clearing in the buildings and sees Runner #2 in the distance.

Runner #2 is halfheartedly making his way to the edge of the city. He stops in front of a skinny OLD MAN and snatches a sheep skin water bottle out of his hands while he was drinking. Water spills out over the Old Man’s face.

OLD Man

Hey, that’s my water…

Runner #2 goes to take a drink, but looks over to see Titus sprinting to close the gap.

Startled, he drops the bottle and runs into the Old Man, knocking him down.

Titus sees Runner #2 struggle to run about 100 yards away. He reaches over to a nearby stone bird feeder and rips the top off. He takes a moment to measure his distance.

Then, suddenly he spins and releases the stone like a seasoned discus thrower.

Runner #2 reaches a slight rise in landscaping and sees his goal ahead. He turns and smirks back at Titus just as…

The stone strikes him flat on the forehead. He goes down in a clump of bushes.

OLD MAN (CONT’D)

Impressive.

Titus jogs up the rise and stops to take a look.

Runner #2 is out cold.

Titus

A Champion is in here.

Titus points to his chest and runs off.

Ext. Rome – Outskirts of the city – Day

A small CROWD is gathered in the center of what appears to be a makeshift training area.

Everyone is milling around aimlessly. Much of the crowd seems to be fixated on a point just over the hill. They are waiting on the return of their runners.

TIBERIUS, (20) younger, thinner, and shorter than his Brother Titus, lays prone on his back under the shade of a tree. He’s got a cloth over his eyes, resting.

A hefty man, LARS, in a dirty brown robe walks over with a few of his BUDDIES and kicks Tiberius in the heel.

Lars

Their return is upon us. I want to see your face when my Champion bests your man.

Tiberius doesn’t stir.

Lars (CONT’D)

Rise, lazy one. You have been unconscious since their departure four hours ago. Do you not have faith in your runner?

Lars takes an apple out of a food bag on his waist. He smiles to his friends.

Lars (CONT’D)

An apple to the head will get his attention.

Lars throws the apple at the sleeping man’s head. Tiberius suddenly catches it without removing his blindfold. He takes a big bite out of it.

Tiberius

Thank you for the refreshment. I was feeling a bit empty.

Tiberius gets up and Lars moves forward irritated.

Lars

You mock me.

TIBERIUS

With zeal.

Lars

You shall regret your actions when your so called, “Champion” is beat.

TIBERIUS

For one thing, Titus never loses, for another, you may tell him yourself for he is here.

Lars and the others spin around to see Titus jogging over the crest of the hill. He heads towards the gathering.

Titus gets to the group and is greeted like a Champion. Titus finds Tiberius.

Tiberius (CONT’D)

What kept you Brother?

TITUS

Why do you never greet me with water?

TIBERIUS

I got you an apple.

Tiberius tosses the apple to Titus. Titus examines it and notices the bite.

Lars pushes his way through the well wishers.

Lars

Where is my runner?

TItus

I believe he’s napping somewhere.

Tiberius

Like the Rabbit in Aesops Fables?

TITUS

Something like that.

Tiberius holds out his hand. Lars looks to the crowd as if to protest. He reaches into his money pouch and reluctantly hands over two gold coins to Tiberius.

TIBERIUS

As I said before the race…

Titus puts his hand on his Brother’s arm to stop him. Tiberius ignores him and raises his voice for all to hear.

TIBERIUS (CONT’D)

My Champion has never tasted defeat. He has the speed of Atlanta. The strength of Hercules. The stamina of Atlas. And the skill in combat as of Mars himself.

The crowd gasps at the notion of a mortal being compared to a God. Tiberius plays to the crowd and has them all eating out of the palm of his hand.

Titus pulls him aside.

TITUS

We’re done here Brother. You have your reward.

TIBERIUS

Look at this gathering. Fortune smiles on us.

TITUS

Let us move on before it changes.

TIBERIUS

I believe in you. Even if you don’t believe in yourself. What have I always told you?

TITUS

That a Champion is here.

Titus points to his heart.

TIBERIUS

Why do you act like you’ve forgotten?

TITUS

I just ran a marathon.

TIBERIUS

A stroll for you, for you have the heart of a true warrior. Brother, I need you to do this. Then we stop. I promise.

TITUS

Then we head to Crete?

TIBERIUS

Yes, Brother, then we feed your wanderlust. Someday soon. We’ll need to find a place to settle.

TITUS

Then Brother, may I honor you today.

TIBERIUS

That’s the Champion spirit.

They return to the crowd.

TibERIUS (CONT’D)

Is there not one among you that can best my Champion?

CESAER FLAVIUS

I have one.

The small crowd goes silent. The group looks around to find that they are surrounded by the CELERES, the Royal Guards.

CAESAR FLAVIUS (40) the Emperor of Rome, is sitting tall atop a beautiful white steed. All eyes are glued to the Roman Emperor, shocked and frightened by his sudden appearance.

The entire group kneels immediately before their Emperor.

Flavius dismounts and steps forward. Two of the Celeres follow closely behind him. Other Royal Guards wade through the crowd at various strategic positions.

Flavius reaches the center and stops between Tiberius and Lars.

FLAVIUS

You may rise.

Cautiously the crowd obeys, many with their heads still bowed.

Flavius smiles with devilish delight.

FLAVIUS (CONT’D)

I’m at the East Wall, an impromptu inspection of the troops and our security, you see. Unnecessary really, but it’s required. I’m there when someone suddenly tells me that there was an event going on in the city. A race, of some sort. I am unaware that such an event occurred without my consent. This can not be, I replied. Oh, I assure you my Lord, for they saw with their very own eyes. I do not like to be wrong, so I came to see for myself. This makes me look bad, very bad indeed, for I and only I can sanction such gatherings. Punishment by imprisonment, I believe.

Flavius smiles widely and chuckles. The crowd takes a breath and laughs with him relieved.

FLAVIUS (CONT’D)

What fun! Now where were we… Oh yes, what will be our next challenge?

Titus

Sir, with all respect, my Brother and I must be on our way, we’ve already delayed…

FLAVIUS

You will have all day, if I say you have all day. And if this challenge is over then it has not been sanctioned. Shall we imprison everyone now?

Flavius waves his hand and the Celeres, begin to close in, in unison.

Tiberius

Sir, we’re ready for more challenges, of course.

FLAVIUS

Ah, so this is the Brother, of which you speak. Your Champion seems reluctant, or maybe just worn out.

TIBERIUS

He can beat any mortal, in any challenge.

Titus glares hard at Tiberius to stop.

FLAVIUS

So you wouldn’t go with another?

TIBERIUS

Titus has the true heart of a hero, why go with another?

FLAVIUS

Mighty words. A true hero is tested in ways like no other. You have your hero then. Are you ready for a challenger?

Tiberius looks to Titus concerned, as if to say sorry. Titus steps forward, resolved to do his best in any challenge.

FLAVIUS (CONT’D)

Very good then. Who shall be my Champion? Is there a brave one among you, step forward and do not disappoint me.

The crowd freezes. No one moves and no one steps forward.

FLAVIUS (CONT’D)

Come now, no one volunteers? I have chosen anyway. And my Champion will be…

Flavius steps up to Titus, but then points to Tiberius.

FLAVIUS (CONT’D)

You.

TibERIUS

Me?

FLAVIUS

Yes, you shall be my Champion. Let us see what is in your heart.

TIberius

But sir, I’m not prepared to…

FLAVIUS

No more words, it is done. And the challenge shall be…

Flavius turns and takes the two swords out of his bodyguards sheaths behind him. He steps forward and quickly sticks both swords in the ground between the Brothers.

FLAVIUS (CONT’D)

A fight to the death!

The crowd grows loud with anticipation. The Celeres squeeze in. Lars slowly steps back into the crowd.

FLAVIUS (CONT’D)

What say you? A challenge befitting Romulus and Remus themselves. An extraordinary challenge indeed, worthy of a true hero.

Titus

You can’t possibly expect me to carry arms against my Brother?

FLAVIUS

Oh, I do indeed.

TITUS

I can’t and I won’t.

FLAVIUS

Is there no more fight in you? Did the people not come here for a show?

Caesar Flavius is now playing to the crowd. The men are not on display here, his power is.

TibERIUS

I would sooner die than fight my Brother.

Caesar Flavius immediately grabs one of the swords and stabs Tiberius in the chest with it.

FLAVIUS

So be it!

Titus

No!

Titus screams in rage and rushes Flavius. Two of the Royal Guards immediately jump on Titus.

Flavius pulls the sword from Tiberius and his lifeless body falls to the ground.

He spins around and raises the bloody sword to protect himself from Titus.

FLAVIUS

So there is fight in you yet. Excellent! Take him!

In uncontrollable rage, Titus throws the two men off of him like rag dolls. Countless other Celeres pounce on Titus before he could reach the now giddy Emperor. The Celeres can barely contain Titus.

The lights go out as Titus is knocked on the head with the hilt of a sword.

Int. Holding cells – Rome – night

Titus awakes with a start.

Titus

Tiberius!

Titus looks around to see a cage full of men. They’re all startled by their new cell mate’s screams.

LUCIUS, (30) a barrel-chested fighter, steps forward.

Lucius

No use bellowing, there isn’t a Tiberius among us.

Titus quickly stands up ready to defend himself. Once standing, he almost falls back down from a blinding headache.

LUCIUS (CONT’D)

Sit back down, before you fall on someone.

He swaggers over to the metal bars and hangs on them. He grabs MARCUS, (30) a stocky wise-ass with red hair and a full red beard, standing by the bars.

TITUS

Where’s Tiberius? Where’s my Brother?

Marcus helps to steady Titus.

Marcus

We’re not sure who you might be referring to, but you came in alone.

OCTAVIUS, (20) a six-foot-six-inch tall giant, steps forward.

Octavius

Maybe it was a dream.

TITUS

Not a dream.

Titus shakes the metal bars.

LUCIUS

Calm down, you’re giving us all headaches.

TITUS

Guards! Guards!

MARCUS

Won’t do you any good. They don’t respond.

TITUS

He can not hold me.

OcTAVIUS

Who can’t hold you?

TITUS

Flavius.

OCTAVIUS

Caesar?

Titus turns to the men. He seethes with crazed anger.

TITUS

He can’t keep me locked up. I vow here and now, on my brother’s death, that I will find a way out of this prison and I will find him… And I will kill him!

OCTAVIUS

You are mistaken my friend, this is not a prison…this is the Colosseum. Welcome to the Gladiators!

Ext. Tomb of orcas – LEPERCAL CAVE – night

Tiberius’s body lays on the altar before a giant stone statue of ORCUS THE GOD OF THE DEAD. All of his blood has been drained from his body.

Caesar Flavius is preparing to make a sacrifice as an acolyte of Orcus.

A few loyal GUARDS are standing at attention in the corners of the room.

ARRIAS, (40) a balding politician, helps prepare the body.

ARRIAS

My Lord, I beg of you not to wake the spirit of Orcus. What could you possibly need from the God of the Dead?

Flavius

Why eternal life, of course. I must hold dominion over life and death. There are things that you do not know, faithful Arrias. I have put in motion a great many things, and this is a game I can not afford to lose.

ARRIAS

You are ruler of the civilized world. Is that not enough?

FLAVIUS

My power is divided. I shall unify the land and they shall bow to my leadership only.

ARRIAS

You mean the Senate. But we only exist to serve you and your people, my Lord.

FLAVIUS

That will soon be true. I am not ignorant, Arrias. I know there are plotters and schemers surrounding me.

ARRIAS

I will keep an eye and ear out and report only to you. I live to serve you.

FLAVIUS

If only they were all as loyal. But this is only the beginning. With my plans, I must have an invincible army. An army that Orcus can provide me.

ARRIAS

Sire, a contract with Orcus comes with a heavy price to pay. Being a disciple may require your very soul!

Caesar Flavius laughs at Arrias.

FLAVIUS

My dear, naive Arrias. That, I’ve already given.

Arrias slowly bows his head and steps back into the shadows.

Flavius approaches the altar.

He kneels and bows his head. He begins to speak in tongues. An ancient language of the Gods.

The room grows heavy with dust. The torches dim. Flavius continues to chant.

The DUST gathers before him and begins to find form. As that of a SKELETON WRAITH in flowing robes.

ORCUS floats above his altar. He opens his arms wide as if to embrace the Emperor kneeling before him.

OrcUS

You have returned, my Son. What is it you ask of me?

FLAVIUS

I bring this sacrifice to you. His blood has washed your Altar and sanctified your Tomb. My only wish is to please you. My glory is yours. My will is yours.

ORCUS

What is your purpose here?

FLAVIUS

My Lord, give me an army with the power to control their will, and I’ll cover the land with the blood of the unworthy. I will bring to you a number far beyond that which is foretold in the Book of the Dead. This I vow.

ORCUS

It will be so. Complete this mission, and the next time you lay eyes on me, we will be as one.

FLAVIUS

A gift worthy of the most high God. You are very generous, my Lord.

Orcus floats down. He opens his mouth wide and spews dust into the body of Tiberius. Flavius steps forward to get a closer look.

Tiberius suddenly awakens. His eyes are red and crazed. His teeth have become fangs and his fingers have claws. Black ooze drips from the side of his mouth. Tiberius is now a ZOMBIE.

His movements are slow and lumbering. Zombie Tiberius climbs off of the altar and goes after Flavius, but he can’t move too far, because he is chained to the altar.

Flavius looks into Zombie Tiberius’s face.

FLAVIUS (CONT’D)

He seems slow and mindless, my lord.

Orcus points his bony finger at the statue of himself. Dust swirls around a bracer on the statue’s arm. It looks to be made of pure gold and has the carvings of the dead.

OrCUS

Behold the Bracer of Orcus. With this, you will be able to command this creature of the undead.

Flavius can barely contain his excitement. He steps over and carefully removes the bracer from the statue. He holds it up, as if it is his holy Grail.

Flavius stands in front of the Zombie Tiberius and places the bracer on his right arm.

Immediately, the Zombie Tiberius becomes fast, directed, and crazed. He tries to reach Arrias in the darkness. Arrias whimpers and cowers down at the sight.

FLAVIUS

When will I receive my Army, Master?

Orcus opens his arms wide again to Flavius.

ORCUS

Patience, my son. It will soon come.

Flavius smiles wide and revels in his new-found power.

Ext. CoLOSSEUM – Arena – Montage

-Octavius fights three men with spears. He can not get close enough to strike and the number keeps him on the defense. He gets cornered and looks like he might be overwhelmed, when Titus jumps in and assists him. They push the fighters back together.

-Marcus and Titus are among a group of gladiators fighting criminals. The gates open and a few hungry tigers run out and pounce on various warriors. Marcus is one of them.

He’s just about to be mauled when Titus stabs the cat in the heart. He pushes the heavy creature from Marcus and helps him up. Marcus is very pale and slightly wounded, but alive. Titus runs off to help others.

-The Colosseum is filling up with spectators. MEN and WOMEN yelling, “Kill Them!” and “Titus!” fill the seats. The MOB is growing. Blood-thirsty and savage.

-Titus is developing a team. They fight together. This is very effective in the arena, especially when they are pitted against a horde of barbarians. They fight groups of men 3 times larger than their own team.

Various battles flash past; flaming chariots, a pack of rabid hyenas, barbarians, criminals, roman soldiers, and even more exotic animals, like gorillas.

BLACK

A TITLE card READS: 28 Days Later

Ext. Roman forum – establishing

The large stone structure of the CURIA HOSTILIA sits in the Roman Forum, North of the Comitum. It is the seat of the Imperial Senate, once the center of power in the Empire. Now a shell of it’s former self.

INT. SENATE CHAMBER – DAY

A Senate meeting has commenced.

A HUNDRED SENATORS file out of the wooden pews in a small amphitheater.

The PRAETORS remain up front, the leading three Senators, comprising of; SENATOR QUINTUS (60), the emperor’s top advisor, smart and steady, the brains behind the royal power, SENATOR ANTONIUS (50), a thin elder statesman and Senator Arrias, a Senator and spy for Flavius.

They patiently wait until the final Senators exit and the doors swing shut.

ANTONIUS

What is this? Why have you kept us?

Quintus

I’ve called a secret session to discuss the recent series of constitutional reforms by Caesar Flavius.

ARRIAS

Shouldn’t the Caesar be in attendance?

QUINTUS

No, I don’t think so. It’s apparent to me that Flavius cares little for the Senate. Recently, he has taken it upon himself to enact reforms, essentially without the consent of the senate. This should be attacked, vigorously, by the senate, with any and all means necessary!

ARRIAS

By any legal means–

QUINTUS

By ANY means necessary! He’s deprived us of our status as the ultimate depository of supreme power in the empire!

ARRIAS

We are not at war with the Emperor–

QUINTUS

I’m stating that is exactly what we are! At war for our very status! We no longer have independent legislative, judicial or electorial power and this can not be! How can we govern with no governmental status! Soon, we will be without even the power to try treason cases! Which is about all we have left!

Antonius

What are you saying? How can we get this power back?

QUINTUS

There’s only one way. We take it back!

ANTONIUS

What do you propose?

QUINTUS

I don’t mention this lightly, and at the mere mention, it’s treason itself–

ANTONIUS

Go on.

QUINTUS

What I propose is drastic! But must be done, to save the senate! To save Rome!

I propose, we have him killed! We must cut off our very nose…to save face.

He speaks in hushed tones, and this brings them in. They are anticipating his very words, spoken softly in confidence to very dear friends.

QUINTUS (CONT’D)

We must annihilate lawlessness. Make no illusions. That is exactly what this is, lawlessness at it’s very core! Opposition to the good, natural and happy way of life, all to please and nurture only one man. A diseased mind that must be excised from the collective. How many others will he control? How many others will he poison against us? We must fight! Or lose the war to regain the Roman Empire!

Senator Quintus takes a breath. He looks to the others and sees that they are in accord.

QUINTUS (CONT’D)

As Consul, I propose we hold a festival! We will find an opportunity to kill the Caesar at the award ceremony. We recruit the best gladiator in Rome to our cause. Are we in agreement? Senator Antonius?

Four African WARRIORS are shoved out. The biggest, strongest of the captured Africans. They are dressed in loin cloths, faces streaked in war paint. They gaze around in awe.

IN THE IMPERIAL BOX

Flavius waves for silence.

FLAVIUS (CONT’D)

These uncivilized brutes now face the champions of Rome, the gladiators!

ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE COLOSSEUM

Another gate opens. Titus and his Gladiators come out and the crowd goes crazy. They are like rock stars and Titus is the biggest of them all. He takes it all in with humility, bowing to the fans.

FLAVIUS (CONT’D)

Prepare for battle.

Titus and his men step toward the center of the Colosseum, looking across at the giant African warriors.

LUCIUS

They’re big ones, aren’t they?

TITUS

Not for long.

The Warriors charge across the Colosseum. Titus and his men meet them like a swarm of killer bees. And it’s on! Weapons clashing, shields smashing, bodies thrashing.

Octavius uses a spear as his weapon, slashing the warriors before they can get near him.

Marcus swings a triple ball flail — three spiked balls attached by chains to a handle, which he whips like a maniac.

Lucius wears a pair of gauntlets with daggers attached over his fists. Like a close-quarters, martial artist, he whips his fists around, punching, stabbing and slashing opponents.

Lavinia holds a trident and a gladiator net. She appears nervous but swings the trident and net with practiced acumen. It is clear, new to the arena, but not to fighting.

The most amazing part is Titus. A master with a sword and shield. Spinning, slashing, beating his foes — but without a hint of anger. In fact, he seems totally at peace. As if he were alone, practicing a series of moves.

The Warriors fight back with primitive spears and shields, but they are deadly jungle fighters. Powerful and quick.

It’s a battle in the sand — WEAPONS SLASHING, BODIES FLYING.

Until — a YELP snaps Titus from his zone. A Jungle Warrior traps Lavinia on the ground. The big guy’s foot clamps on Lavinia’s throat, about to choke the life out of her.

Titus pauses a moment, angered at being distracted. Then he pulls a dagger and WHIPS it at the Warrior. It hits him in the CHEST. The Warrior falls back — Lavinia strikes forward and stabs the guy with the trident…spilling his blood into the sand.

Lavinia nods to Titus, thanks. The crowd goes wild.

IN THE IMPERIAL BOX

Flavius and his entourage watch on.

FLAVIUS

Astonishing. In all my years I have not seen a man so dominate this sport as Titus.

QUINTUS

Yes, Caesar. And so popular. The people speak of him like a God. In fact, some think that he cannot be killed.

Flavius seems annoyed and jealous at the same time.

FLAVIUS

There is one certainty of the Colosseum, Quintus. Sooner or later, everyone dies. Even the immortal Titus.

Titus slays the final African Warrior and raises his sword in victory. The crowd goes nuts, chanting “Titus”!

Flavius just sneers, clearly not happy about the attention.

QUINTUS

Caesar, you are the supreme commander of Rome. You reign over the greatest expansion of any empire in the history of civilization.

(carefully)

But to do that, we have been at constant war, with enemies in every corner of the world. It is a struggle and a sacrifice, from which the people need distraction. Things to talk about. To excite them.

(points to the Colosseum)

Like Titus. Believe it or not, he keeps them loyal to you.

FLAVIUS

Yes, but one has to wonder…what keeps him loyal to me?

Quintus nods, understanding.

QUINTUS

I have an idea. Let us hold a festival. For Rome and its emperor. Show Titus and Rome what a strong yet generous leader you are. The people will love you for it.

FLAVIUS

Perhaps…

Quintus shoots a look at Arrias, for help. Like they’ve teamed up on Flavius before. Just as Arrias is about to speak, he is cut off by Antonius.

It’s not the visit, it’s the flattery. You come here for something, from me.

QUINTUS

You are very astute. You are not an average gladiator, that is certain.

Titus says nothing.

QUINTUS (CONT’D)

Are you loyal to your Caesar

Titus looks around suspiciously.

QUINTUS (CONT’D)

There is none but you and I, I assure you.

TITUS

I am loyal to Tiberius.

QUINTUS

And who is Tiberius?

TITUS

My brother, who Flavius slew with his own hand.

Quintus smiles.

QUINTUS

Another reason you have been chosen. I come with a special request.

TITUS

Get to it.

QUINTUS

We would be indebted to you if you would do us the courtesy…of killing Flavius.

TITUS

And how do you think I can do that?

QUINTUS

A festival will be held. And the winner of the festival will have an audience with the Emperor as he lays the laurels on their head.

TITUS

They will search for weapons.

QUINTUS

We will make sure that your dagger gets forgotten during the search. Will you do this?

Titus considers.

TITUS

I don’t do this for you. I do this for my brother.

QUINTUS

We thank you. All the same.

INT. BATHING AREA – LATER

The Gladiators are washing the blood off their bodies. Titus sits, a needle-thin dagger in hand, etching another notch on his arm.

Lavinia sits next to him, humble.

lavinia

Thank you again, Titus. You saved my life in there.

TITUS

You can owe me one.

Lavinia nods at the notches. She counts them.

Lavinia

You’ve won twenty-eight battles?

TITUS

Twenty-eight days since my brother died. At the hands of Flavius. I shall avenge him.

Lavinia

Is that wise?

Titus shrugs.

TITUS

Nevertheless, it shall be done.

Titus looks at the water, his eyes narrowing.

EXT. IMPERIAL PALACE – NIGHT

An enormous, fortified palace. Set on top of PALATINE HILL, over-looking the city. A party is in progress.

INT. IMPERIAL PALACE – NIGHT

Flavius and Arrias stand in a palace window, watching as the other Senators leave. They turn away. The mood is heavy.

Arrias

They watch your games, take your women, drink your wine and eat your food. All the while they plot behind your back.

FLAVIUS

That is why I have taken control from the senate. This has been foreseen.

He waves Arrias off, tired.

ArRIAS

They plan your death.

Flavius’s head snaps up at this.

FLAVIUS

This is treason.

ARRIAS

Ah, but you left them with the power to try treason cases, which they will do and hold all parties unaccounted. They will then supplant their own Emperor and control will return to the Senate.

Flavius smiles as if this was all part of his plan.

FLAVIUS

How do they plan to do it?

Arrias

The festival. With the games, they have recruited Titus to kill you during the award ceremony. As you lay laurels on the winner, he shall strike.

Flavius takes the news to heart.

FLAVIUS

Then it’s time for me to strike first. The war will begin at the festival.

ARRIAS

I live only to serve you.

Flavius smiles. He looks down at the Bracer of Orcus.

FLAVIUS

It’s time to bring Remus back to Rome. We will hold the Festival of Lemuria, to appease the ghost of Remus…

AND THEN A SCREAM CARRIES US TO:

INT. holding cell – NIGHT

Tiberius, in his full zombie transformation, seethes, chained and locked in a cage. Some SOLDIERS use poles to hold him still, while DRUSIS, a GUARD, looks on.

Drusis pushes a CART past the cage. Tiberius lunges against his chains, grabbing the bars. He bares his teeth — which now are clearly FANGS!

Curious, Drusis stops the cart. Peels back a blanket on top. Revealing the bloody, amputated limbs of several soldiers.

He lifts a severed hand and forearm. And tosses it into the cage. Tiberius goes wild, chomping at the arm like a dog with a bone — devouring the flesh right off of it, until there’s literally just a pile of bones.

EXT. ROME – FESTIVAL OF LEMURIA – DAY

Sun rises over the city.

INT. COLOSSEUM – GLADIATOR QUARTERS – MORNING

Titus sleeps on a straw bed. A TRUMPETING SOUND wakes him —

INT. COLOSSEUM – ANIMAL QUARTERS – MORNING

— coming from the trunk of a massive WAR ELEPHANT, outfitted with armor, being coached by an ELEPHANT TRAINER. The spacious animal quarters are filled with exotic, caged animals — lions, bears, crocodiles and ostriches.

Lavinia, Marcus and Lucius are forced into defensive positions. They cluster together, shields and swords up.

Titus stands alone. Turns his back on Octavius, to face the Zombie Tiberius.

LUCIUS

Flavius was right. It is a demon.

LAVINIA

No, it’s something else. Something worse.

At that moment, Lavinia sees something, her eyes widening.

LAVINIA (CONT’D)

Titus…

She points behind him.

IN THE STANDS

The crowd sees what he has seen and GASPS!

IN THE IMPERIAL BOX

Flavius and Quintus react in shock.

QUINTUS

How is that possible?

Flavius smiles.

FLAVIUS

I don’t know. But I like it.

Finally…

ON THE COLOSSEUM FLOOR

Octavius gets up. His head hangs at a grotesque angle, tendons and flesh barely holding it to his neck. His eyes are red, skin pale, mouth a mass of froth and fangs.

OCTAVIUS…A ZOMBIE!

The Gladiators stare in shock at their resurrected comrade.

LUCIUS

Octavius?

LAVINIA

That isn’t Octavius. Not any more.

The Octavius-Zombie, charges them, shrieking and growling.

Marcus, Lucius, and Lavinia are forced into battle with their friend.

They defend with all they have.

IN THE IMPERIAL BOX

Flavius thrills with the turn of events. This is working out better than he planned.

ON THE Colosseum FLOOR

Zombie Tiberius scrambles after Titus. Titus is overwhelmed. Zombie Tiberius knocks him to the ground and climbs on top of him. Titus pushes his shield up to separate them.

The Zombie Tiberius is moments away from finding a position on top of the shield to be able to bite Titus. Just in time, Lavinia, picks up a loose sword and shield and runs over and slices Zombie Tiberius’s head off.

Zombie Tiberius’s head hits the ground next to Titus and the body on top of him goes completely limp.

He throws the body aside. And SCREAMS in agony as he…

Charges Lavinia in blind madness. Lavinia gets knocked to the ground. He beats her shield one, two, three times with all his might.

Lavinia crumbles under the brutal assault, but manages to keep her shield up between them.

TiTUS

NO! NO! NO!

One more swing and her shield flies away. He raises his sword to kill her, but at the last moment he can’t do it. He buries the sword into the ground next to her in complete frustration.

Marcus and Lucius, fending off the Octavius Zombie, look at the dead Zombie Tiberius and then at each other.

MARCUS

Now we know how to kill it!

In The imperial box

Caesar and the Senators are riveted to the action below.

Quintus is so enthralled that he places his hand on Flavius and holds on to the Bracer of Orcus without realizing.

ON THE Colosseum FLOOR

Zombie Octavius’s head snaps up to the stands. He is now searching for something. His eyes find Caesar Flavius in the Imperial Box.

Flavius is curious by the new reaction.

Lucius and Marcus turn to the Octavius Zombie and charge! The Zombie Octavius turns and races across the Colosseum.

And with amazing strength, it leaps up —

RIGHT INTO THE IMPERIAL BOX!

The smile drops from Flavius’s face —

FLAVIUS

What!?!

Flavius reaches for the Gauntlet of Orcus, and finds that Quintus has a frightened grip on it. He pries Quintus’s hand free and when he looks up, the Octavius Zombie’s too fast —

— the Octavius Zombie tackles him and bites him on the face — blood spraying in a wide fan! He screams in pain.

WHACK! A CELERES sweeps his own sword and hacks off the Octavius Zombie’s head. The Octavius Zombie drops to the ground.

Quintus kneels by the bloody, fallen Emperor.

QUINTUS

Sire? Are you alright?

Flavius rolls around, shuddering. His skin goes deathly gray. He begins to foam at the mouth. And then his eyes flash open — BRIGHT RED. He’s a Zombie.

Quintus backs away, horrified.

QUINTUS (CONT’D)

Sire, no. For the love of Rome.

As if in answer, Flavius shrieks and bolts up, lunging at Quintus. Quintus scrambles off, behind a Celeres.

QUINTUS (CONT’D)

Kill it!

CELERES

But…It’s the emperor!

QUINTUS

Not anymore! Now kill it!

The Celeres hesitates — that’s all Flavius-Zombie needs. He lunges at the Celeres and bites his throat. The Celeres goes down in another blood bath.

Flavius Zombie turns to look for Quintus — sees the Senator gripping a sword of his own.

He swings the sword at Flavius. Flavius raises a hand to block it — stopping the blade, but not before it LOPS OFF HIS PINKIE FINGER. It clatters to the ground, a large RING still attached to it. Flavius howls in pain and anger.

Then, at his feet — the fallen Celeres shudders, convulsing. His skin goes pale, eyes rimmed red with blood. The Celeres turns into a zombie! He leaps up —

And tackles a SENATOR, biting him. Blood sprays all over the Senator’s toga. And the Senator turns into a Zombie!

He turns and bites a CONCUBINE, who turns into Zombie. She bites another concubine. One after another, Romans attack each other and are transformed into Zombies.

Quintus stumbles through the mayhem, trying to escape — when he notices something trembling on the ground.

FLAVIUS’S FINGER. The ring on it is the large, IMPERIAL SEAL.

And in the depths of hell, Quintus realizes — Rome still needs a leader. Someone to carry on through the disaster.

And so he grabs the ring and shoves it in his pocket.

Quintus runs downstairs, into the depths of the Colosseum.

ALL AROUND THE COLOSSEUM

Citizens run for their lives as Zombies attack them. It’s an orgy of blood and mayhem, spreading like wildfire. What was already a mob is now an angry, deranged…undead mob.

Then above it all, a guttural HOWL echoes. The Flavius-Zombie races to the top of the stands, chased by Roman guards. He lets out another howl — which seems to communicate to several Zombies nearby. They leap on the guards, taking them down, freeing Flavius.

ON THE AREA FLOOR

Titus and the gladiators watch in awe, until Lavinia has seen enough.

LAVINIA

Quickly!

She gets up and grabs the trident, sword and shield. She shakes Titus by the shoulders.

LavINIA (CONT’D)

We must go!

Titus seems to wake up out of his funk. He sees Zombie Flavius as he rallies his circle of Zombies, to further expand his army of the dead.

He grabs his sword and shield and runs toward the Mob where Zombie Flavius is, when…

Marcus and Lucius grab him by the arms.

LUCIUS

We shall endure! We will fight again.

MARCUS

We must flee!

He reluctantly follows Lavinia, Lucius and Marcus as they run for one of the exits, slashing and trampling anyone…or anything in their way.

INT. COLOSSEUM – HYPOGEUM – DAY

The Gladiators run through the Hypogeum — the labyrinth of corridors and rooms under the Colosseum. It’s chaos here as well. They stop and hide a moment. Across the way —

They see Victor, the gladiator trainer.

TITUS

Victor!

Victor turns. Red eyes. Frothing mouth. A Zombie! He leads a pack of Zombie-Gladiators out into the stadium.

Titus, Marcus and Lucius stare in shock at the sight of their former friends, now monsters.

LUCIUS

This is it. The Gods are taking vengeance on Rome. We must pray for our lives.

TITUS

No, Lucius. We must run like hell.

He leads them down another corridor — where they turn right into Quintus. Quintus lights up —

QUINTUS

Titus! You’re alive!

TITUS

No thanks to you! You’re the one responsible for this.

LuCIUS

What was that thing?

QUINTUS

It’s called a Zombie. A man, brought back from the dead… with a hunger for human flesh.

TITUS

That was my brother! And you put me in the Colosseum with him!

He raises his sword. Quintus drops to his knees, pleading.

QUINTUS

I was unaware! He must have learned of our plot to kill him!

TITUS

So he created this Zombie from my brother’s body?

QUINTUS

It was a mistake, which now threatens all of Rome.

Titus looks at Lavinia, still anger in his eyes. She turns away, upset. Titus looking down at Quintus.

TITUS

To hell with Rome. And with you.

Finally, he pulls his sword away and sheaths it.

QUINTUS

What are you doing?

TITUS

I am a slave no more.

(to his men)

If we’re quick, we can make it to the city gates.

He nods to his men. They turn to leave.

QUINTUS

Wait! Hear me out!

Titus and the gladiators stop, turn back.

QUINTUS (CONT’D)

Even if you make it past these monsters, there are still the city walls, guarded by the Roman legion. They know your face. You’re still a gladiator and property of the state. They’ll stop you.

Titus just sneers, grips his sword.

TITUS

I’ll take my chances.

QUINTUS

What if I can guarantee your freedom?

TITUS

How?

QUINTUS

I am the highest ranking Senator in Rome. If there’s a way to restore order and stop this epidemic, I must do it. I just need to get to the senate building. Alive.

TITUS

You want me to escort you?

QUINTUS

You’re the greatest fighter in the city. Get me to the senate. I will grant you immediate freedom.

Titus thinks it over. As usual, Quintus is being smart.

TITUS

For Lucius, Marcus…and Lavinia as well.

QUINTUS

Of course. Do we have a deal?

TITUS

Yes. We’ll get you to the senate. The question is, how?

There’s a familiar trumpeting nearby. Titus looks, sees a pair of WAR ELEPHANTS in their cages, growing restless.

Finally, with another loud blare — out come the pair of WAR ELEPHANTS. Titus sits in the saddle basket of the lead elephant, with Lavinia gripped behind him.

LAVINIA

Do you even know how to ride one of these beasts?

TITUS

It’s like a horse. Just bigger.

Marcus drives the other elephant, with Lucius and Quintus riding behind him.

They rumble out into the chaos, the streets trembling under the weight of the enormous creatures. People and Zombies scatter in front of them. AND —

WHAM! The lead elephant stomps on a Zombie, crushing it.

BAM! The second elephant gores a zombie with its TUSK, then flings it off like a rag doll.

WHACK! The first elephant swings its TRUNK, smashing a pair of Zombies against a building wall.

Titus pats the elephant’s head.

TITUS (CONT’D)

Well done.

Then, from behind him —

LAVINIA

Titus!

— on the SIDE of their elephant, several ZOMBIES CLIMB UP THE ARMOR, toward Lavinia and Titus in the saddle. Titus tosses over his sword.

TITUS

Kill them!

The first one reaches the top, gnashing its fangs, spittle flying. Lavinia STABS it through the chest. Clear, liquid Zombie blood squirts out. It shrieks, but doesn’t die.

So Lavinia kicks it in the head — the Zombie falls off the sword, to the ground. But more Zombies climb up.

LAVINIA

There’s too many.

TITUS

Hang on!

Titus jerks the reins, sends the elephant marching toward a building. Like he’s going to smash into it. At the last second, he jerks it again —

Turning the elephant. Crushing the zombies into the wall. But the undead creatures keep hanging on. So Titus keeps the elephant moving, DRAGGING THE ZOMBIES ALONG THE WALL, tearing their flesh, finally scraping them off the side of the elephant. They fall to the ground.

Titus smiles back at Lavinia.

TITUS (CONT’D)

I told you, like riding a horse.

Then from behind, again —

QUINTUS

Titus!!

ON THE SECOND ELEPHANT — another mob of Zombies dangles from its armor, trying to get to Quintus, Lucius and Marcus. They beat them with weapons, but there are too many Zombies.

TITUS

Hang on!

Titus turns his elephant and charges right at the second elephant — like one battleship ramming another.

His elephant SMASHES into the mob of Zombies HEAD ON, crushing them between plates of armor. It doesn’t kill them, but it’s enough to knock them off. They fall to the ground —

Where they are pounced on by a group of crocodiles!

Marcus pumps a fist at Titus.

MARCUS

Well done!

Titus smiles at Lavinia.

LAVINIA

Lovely. Now get us out of here.

Titus turns the elephant. They head away from the mess, toward a manicured lane, where HUGE STATUES OF FLAVIUS stretch off into the distance.

They head right for it. Quintus calls from behind —

QUINTUS

What the devil are you doing?

TITUS

What you asked of me, mighty Senator. Hang on!

The elephants smash through, hitting the first statue. One by one, like a row of enormous dominoes, they fall into one another, a huge row of statues smashing, one after another.

QUINTUS

Farewell, Caesar.

They crash through the debris of fallen rubble, away from the mess of the Colosseum.

They ride off, PASSING —

A SERIES OF HOMES. Just across from the Colosseum. PEOPLE walk out to see what’s happening. OTHER FOLKS open windows and doors.

TITUS

Close your windows and doors! Stay inside! Protect your families! We are at war!

The people scatter inside and barricade themselves away. Lucius and Marcus join the warning cries.

Lucius and Marcus

Barricade your homes! We are at war! Protect your families!

The people all heed the yells coming from the war elephants. They all run to secure their families.

Titus turns to Lavinia.

TITUS

So where exactly is this senate building?

EXT. COLOSSEUM – DAY

On an upper level of the Colosseum, A LONE FIGURE STANDS. Flavius. Still in his robes, soaked with blood. His Zombie eyes a matching red. He looks out over the vast city. In his infected, Zombie mind — it’s still his city.

He strains to put some thoughts together. Yearning. Searching his Zombie mind. Maybe it’s out of determination, maybe out of divine arrogance, but something clicks.

He holds up his hand, the one that’s now missing a finger — and missing the imperial ring, but still has the Gauntlet of Orcus on his wrist. He clenches it into fist, thumps it against his chest, raises it in a Roman salute and lets out a SHRIEK.

It’s not actually any words, but it’s a sound. The Zombie equivalent of “Hail Caesar”

And sure enough, three ZOMBIES nearby seem to pick up on his communication. They stop, turn to face Flavius — and like trained dogs, thump their own fists against their chest, salute and let out a responding shriek!

EXT. CURIA HOSTILIA – DAY

The senate building is in the heart of the ROMAN FORUM, the vast area housing the city’s greatest buildings. Quiet now. Like row of mausoleums.

The calm broken only sporadically, as a human darts past…trying to hide from the Zombies.

Titus and his group dismount from their elephants. They are on alert, swords raised. Lucius looks around, in awe.

LUCIUS

This is it? The great Roman Forum. The senate house. The most powerful spot in all of Rome.

QUINTUS

In all the world.

Titus sneers.

TITUS

If there’s anything left of it…

He walks up the steps of the Senate Building —

INT. SENATE CHAMBER – DAY

A mighty door opens. Titus slips in, sword raised, ready for action. There’s no response. Quintus and the others follow him inside. They look around the massive senate chambers. There are rows of wooden seats, like church pews. All empty.

TITUS

Looks like you’re the government now, Senator.

And then from behind a pew, a SENATE GUARD jumps up — grabbing Lavinia. She shrieks, assuming it’s a Zombie. He puts a knife to her throat.

Wrong girl to mess with. She grabs the Guard and flips him over in a self-defense move, flattening him.

From nearby, Senator Antonius, rises HOLDING A CROSSBOW, aimed right at Lavinia.

ANTONIUS

Back away, all of you.

Titus, Marcus and Lucius swiftly draw their swords.

TITUS

Drop your weapons.

ANTONIUS

Are you one of them?

Quintus finally steps into view —

QUINTUS

Don’t be a fool, Antonius. They’re with me.

Antonius turns, sees Quintus.

ANTONIUS

Quintus, thank the Gods.

He puts the crossbow away and nods to the guard, who shuts the main doors again.

ANTONIUS (CONT’D)

(calling out)

All is well! Quintus has returned!

From around the room, about twenty SENATORS and five senate GUARDS appear — holding swords, chair legs, anything that could be a weapon. Arrias is with them.

QUINTUS

Where’s the rest of the senate?

ANTONIUS

Gone. Running scared. Or turned into monsters.

(he looks dazed)

They stormed the chamber. We managed to hide. We might be all that’s left.

He helped deliver me here. I have granted Titus and his men their freedom.

LAVINIA

Excuse me?

QUINTUS

And the woman as well.

Arrias

Of course, Senator.

QUINTUS

One more thing. For the time being, I am no longer a Senator.

He holds up his hand. On it’s the imperial ring.

Arrias

The Imperial Seal? Are you mad? That can only be worn by Flavius.

QUINTUS

The emperor is no more, turned into one of those bloodthirsty creatures.

There’s a gasp by the other Senators.

QUINTUS (CONT’D)

He was taken in front of my own eyes. Roman law dictates that as highest ranking member of the senate, I am now the acting Emperor of Rome. I do this not for personal glory, but for the preservation of Rome.

Arrias and the Senators nod, politicians to the core.

Arrias

A wise decision…Caesar.

Quintus turns to Titus and the others.

QUINTUS

You have done as you promised. I’m a man of my word, you are all free. I’ll have my men bring you some traveling money.

Titus gestures to the IMPERIAL RING on Quintus’s hand.

TITUS

So the day’s not a total loss, is it…emperor?

QUINTUS

The loss of Flavius was a harsh blow to Rome. But Flavius cared little for the people. I, on the other hand, recognize their importance.

TITUS

Do you now?

Quintus holds up the ring, proud.

QUINTUS

This royal seal represents an idea. About a civilization. And a way of life. It doesn’t matter who wears it, so long as that idea remains upheld. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a city to save.

He crosses to a series of large maps — Europe, Italy and Rome — with political and military details drawn on them. The other Senators gather around and discuss battle plans.

Titus goes to Lavinia. An intimate moment.

TITUS

Looks like he’s been rehearsing for this his entire life.

LAVINIA

He’s not a bad man, you know. Certainly better than Flavius.

TITUS

Someone probably said that about Flavius once. Power changes a man. Anyway, it’s not my problem anymore.

LAVINIA

So where are you headed?

TITUS

Anywhere, as long as it’s far from Rome.

There’s a charged tension between them. Both attracted, neither one willing to admit it now.

TITUS (CONT’D)

And you? Where will you go?

LAVINIA

Oh, don’t worry, I can take care of myself.

TITUS

I don’t doubt that.

LAVINIA

Maybe I’ll settle down in the country. Get married. Live on a farm. Give birth to a brood of children.

TITUS

Somehow I don’t see you as some man’s wife.

She gives him a smile.

LAVINIA

That depends on the man.

TITUS

Whoever he is, he’ll be lucky.

An awkward pause.

LAVINIA

Well then, it was a pleasure almost knowing you. Safe travels.

TITUS

And to you.

They gaze at each other. Dying to say more. BUT THEN —

BAM! There’s a pounding on the main door. BOOM! It crashes open. A ZOMBIE stumbles into the chamber. He shrieks and LEAPS right onto Antonius. Antonius goes down screaming!

ANTONIUS

Get it off! Get it…arghhhhhhh!!!

His scream cuts off as the Zombie bites into his throat. Blood sprays on a shocked Arrias nearby.

ARRIAS

Run!! We can find sanctuary at the Roman Temple.

He runs for his life, out of the room.

Quintus yells to the others.

QUINTUS

We cannot abandon the Senate. We must save the Republic! I order you as emperor.

Yeah, right. The other scared Senators run out, along with the senate guards.

In front of Titus’s eyes, Antonius turns into a Zombie — his skin goes gray, mouth foams, his eyes turn BRIGHT RED. He thrashes like a pinned bug on Titus’s sword.

TITUS

My apologies, Senator.

Titus pulls the sword out. Antonius leaps up and WHACK! Titus separates the Senator’s head from his body.

There’s another HOWL as the first Zombie rises back up, ready to charge at Titus. Titus raises his sword. Then –

ZING! An ARROW shoots through the air, past Titus — NAILING THE ZOMBIE IN THE FOREHEAD. Right into the brain. It pins the Zombie to the wall.

There’s a stunned moment as the Zombie shudders on its feet. Then it falls forward. The arrow remains in the wall. The Zombie’s head slides off it. The Zombie hits the floor, a hole in the back of its head.

Flavius enters, scans the area, breathing heavy, wracking his Zombie brain for some information that he knows is there. Finally, he goes to the wall — PULLS DOWN ON THE DECORATION. The trap door pops open. He shrieks to his army.

They jump down into the underground passage.

INT. SECRET PASSAGE – DAY

Down in the tunnel, the group can hear the sounds of the trap door opening. The clamor and grunting of Zombies.

TITUS

Do you hear that?

Lucius wrinkles his nose.

LUCIUS

Do you smell that?

LAVINIA

Zombies.

QUINTUS

Here? How could they…?

TITUS

Flavius. He still knows this place.

They pick up their pace. But the sound of the Zombies grow louder down the tunnel, getting closer.

QUINTUS

We’ll never out-run them.

Titus looks around, sees some barrels of TORCH OIL nearby.

TITUS

Then we’ll have to out-fight them.

He hands his torch to Lucius. Titus grabs a barrel, tips it on its side and STABS it with his sword. The wood cracks, oil spilling out.

Titus kicks the barrel. It rolls down the hall, leaking oil, headed right at the oncoming gang of Zombies.

Titus waits until it gets near the Zombies.

Then he grabs the torch and throws it down the hall.

TITUS (CONT’D)

Burn in hell!

The torch hits the oil. It ignites. Then the whole barrel catches and EXPLODES IN A BALL OF FLAME.

The tunnel, rages in fire — which the Zombies run right into. With a pop and a hiss, the first wave of creatures catch fire, their gray skin burning. Wailing in pain.

More Zombies crash into one another. Like dominoes, the creatures burst into flame, one after another, falling into a smouldering heap.

Titus and the group back away.

LUCIUS

That’s it. Another way to kill them!

Suddenly — the Zombies start to shake and move.

LAVINIA

Maybe not.

SURE ENOUGH — THE CHARRED, BURNING ZOMBIES START GETTING UP.

Skin black and hanging off, but skeletons and Zombie-brains intact, they charge out of the flames.

TITUS

Run!

The group turns and runs.

FLAMING ZOMBIES CHASE THEM!

Titus spots another OIL BARREL. He stabs it with his sword and kicks it over, leaving it to spill. He runs down the passage, stabbing other barrels.

The flaming Zombies run through the corridor, hit the patches of oil and BOOM! Their own bodies light it on fire, setting off more explosions.

BARREL AFTER BARREL EXPLODES.

ZOMBIE PARTS FLY, A FLAMING MESS.

But the mindless monsters don’t stop. More Zombies come up behind, continuing the chase.

A flaming, zombie mob in pursuit of our heroes.

Finally, up ahead, Titus notices a light above —

QUINTUS

There! An exit!

In the ceiling, there’s a METAL GRATE that allow air to come into the passage. A wooden ladder leads to it.

MARCUS

I got it.

Marcus climbs the ladder and pushes the GRATE on top. It’s stuck. He raises his sword, bashing it.

Down the tunnel — the charred Zombies approach.

Lavinia drops to a knee, raises the crossbow. ZING! She fires an arrow. It strikes a Zombie in the chest. And the whole, charred Zombie explodes into dust!

He pulls up Quintus, then Lavinia. Lucius grabs the ladder, Titus behind him, climbing up — just as the Zombies arrive.

Titus hangs onto the ladder with one arm and chops his sword with the other — smashing the charred, flaming Zombies. Destroying them. Turning them to ash.

He gets to the top of the ladder, a Zombie lunges up —

Titus kicks the ladder away. The Zombie falls back on it. Titus hangs from the ceiling opening, dangling.

The Zombie and the ladder hit the tunnel wall — a Zombie gets crushed and explodes into ash. The ladder falls down on some other flaming zombies, crushes them as well.

Lucius pulls Titus up. Marcus shoves the grate back on.

And off they RUN —

EXT. STREETS – ROME – DAY

— down a Roman street. Looking around. Stunned. The city is barren. Screams echo in the distance. The group pushes up against a wall, in the shadows, hiding.

LAVINIA

Where is everyone?

TITUS

Dead, or in hiding, most likely.

LUCIUS

Where do we go now?

QUINTUS

There’s an army garrison nearby. Maybe some soldiers are left alive. They can escort us to the city gates.

He takes a step down a street — Titus grabs him, pulls him back into the shadows.

TITUS

Wait.

He looks around, sensing something.

LAVINIA

What is it?

TITUS

We’re being watched.

LAVINIA

Are you sure?

TITUS

After time in the Colosseum, you get used to having eyes on you.

ON A HILL NEARBY

Sure enough, it’s Flavius. He stands in his chariot, surrounded by his band of Zombies. He scans the area, searching the streets.

TITUS (CONT’D)

Won’t die, won’t quit. That’s some combination.

QUINTUS

It’s like they’re more loyal to him now than they were before.

TITUS

Now they really don’t know any better.

ON THE HILL

Flavius lets out another guttural, Zombie shriek. The other Zombies fan out, hunting.

Lavinia sees a doorway to a large BUILDING.

LAVINIA

In here!

They run inside.

INT. BUILDING – DAY

The group ducks for cover. Titus peers out the window in front. Lucius looks into the building — an amazing structure. Luxurious as anything in Rome. Black marble floors. Statues of naked women everywhere.

LUCIUS

Somebody has a nice house.

QUINTUS

It’s not a house. It’s brothel.

LUCIUS

This place?

QUINTUS

In fact, it only serves one clientele, the senate.

Marcus elbows Lucius.

MARCUS

Told you we should have gone into politics.

Quintus sits in a chair, exhausted.

QUINTUS

What good would it do now? The most powerful empire on earth is on the brink of destruction, all from some cursed bug infested dead man.

Titus snaps his head toward Quintus.

TITUS

That man was my brother–

QUINTUS

Was he diseased?

TITUS

He was never sick a day in his life, until Flavius killed him!

Outside, more Zombie shrieks sound. Titus snaps his head towards it, on alert. He peers out the front window.

Lavinia

Is there another door? Another street that leads to that garrison?

QUINTUS

Through the spa, in back.

Titus nods to Marcus and Lucius.

TITUS

Take a look. See if we can escape without Flavius and his army spotting us.

He looks at Quintus and Lavinia.

TITUS (CONT’D)

I’ll watch the emperor.

INT. BROTHEL – SAME

Marcus and Lucius walk through the brothel, toward the rear of the house. They pass an area set up for BONDAGE GAMES — with toys, chains and spiked costumes. A pair of CROSSED AXES hang on one wall. Lucius picks up a spiked THROAT COLLAR, tied to a long chain, tied to a PILLAR. One of many.

LUCIUS

And they call us barbarians?

A SOUND draws their attention. Water splashing. They raise their swords and shields, go into ready mode.

Marcus GROWLS and lunges at Titus, knocking him to the steps of the spa. He opens his mouth, about to take a bite out of his neck, when suddenly —

Lucius appears behind Zombie-Marcus. He holds one of the bondage AXES. He chops down with it, executioner style, cutting off Marcus’s head, which FLIES OFF!

Marcus’s body drops back into the water.

LUCIUS

I’m sorry, Marcus.

TITUS

You didn’t have a choice.

Lavinia nods, trying to make a point to Titus.

LavINIA

You didn’t have a choice. These monsters are no longer the people we love. No longer our friends…or brothers.

IN THE WATER

More thrashing and growling as the Zombie-Whores are still alive, struggling to get free.

Pulling with all their might on their collar chains until —

CRACK! The pillar holding their chains cracks in half. The pillar splashes down into the water! The Zombies lunge forward a moment. UNTIL THE PILLAR SINKS!

TUGGING THE ZOMBIES DOWN WITH IT! They disappear below.

UNDERWATER

The Zombie women struggle…bubbles frothing from their mouths…trapped, but alive since they can’t die. A bizarre sight.

QUINTUS (O.S.)

The Gods truly are taking revenge on Rome.

Titus, Lavinia and Lucius turn to find Quintus there now. Titus spins, in his face.

TITUS

They didn’t unleash this. You did.

QUINTUS

It wasn’t intentional.

TITUS

How much is enough? How many more nations need to be conquered? How much blood needs to be spilt? How much death and carnage do the people need to be fed?

QUINTUS

It is the way of the world.

TITUS

It is the way of Rome! You’re not satisfied with cutting each other down to size. You have to plot and scheme and wage war and now look around you — this isn’t a city, it’s a living nightmare. And you’re the emperor of the damned!

He shoves Quintus down, puts his sword to his throat.

TITUS (CONT’D)

Give me one good reason I should spare your life.

Lavinia jumps in.

LAVINIA

Because we need him.

TITUS

For what? He’s as much of a monster as Flavius.

LAVINIA

Perhaps. But Rome still has an army and they need to take orders from someone. It’s not going to be you.

(nods at Quintus)

If there’s a way out of this hell, it will be up to him, to lead us.

Titus looks at her. Respecting her now. Listening. He withdraws his sword. Quintus lets out a sigh.

EXT. STREETS – ROME – DAY

Titus leads Lucius and Lavinia along. They try to stay close to buildings, hiding themselves. They turn a corner, FIND —

A ROMAN ARMY GARRISON.

A small fortress, with huge double wooden doors. They don’t hear anything, don’t see any movement.

QUINTUS

Perhaps we’re too late.

Titus goes to the door, banging on it.

TITUS

Is anyone here? Let us in! Is anyone here?

There’s a tightening sound of a dozen bow and arrows being pulled back into ready position.

Centurion! I am Fulvius Lucillus Quintus! First Senator of Rome! I demand that this garrison be opened at once! We demand asylum!

VALERIUS

Have you had contact with the infected?

TITUS

Only when we kill them!

QUINTUS

The senate has been over-run. Flavius is no longer in power. I am the acting emperor of Rome and I demand you let me in.

He raises his hand, revealing the imperial ring.

There’s a pause as Valerius considers. Finally, locks turn. The garrison doors open. More archers and soldiers stand at the ready in the doorway. Valerius steps out, bows.

VALERIUS

Welcome, Senator. It is indeed good to see you here.

INT. GARRISON – LATER

Quintus goes over maps with Valerius and other soldiers.

Lucius lies on a blanket, resting.

Titus sits with a needle-thin dagger in hand, going through his post-battle ritual. He etches the letter M on his arm, for Marcus, and a letter O for Octavius.

Lavinia, her face now washed, comes and sits next to him. She looks at Titus, wincing as he carves his letters.

LAVINIA

Does that hurt?

TITUS

Compared to what?

She notices the M and the O, realizes —

LAVINIA

For Marcus and Octavius. You were good friends?

TITUS

We fought for our lives together. I’m not sure what that makes us, but I don’t want to forget them.

LAVINIA

I didn’t ask before, but I’m curious…how did you become a gladiator?

TITUS

About a month ago, Flavius stabbed my brother and sent me to the Colosseum.

Lavinia nods, taking it all in.

TITUS (CONT’D)

My brother was the best man I ever knew. He gave me confidence, he gave me strength.

Lavinia has a hard time, trying to apologize to Titus.

LAVINIA

I’m sorry I killed him.

TITUS

That monster you killed was not my brother. Flavius Killed him. I would not be here now if it wasn’t for you. I was just too filled with grief. You saved my life. I know that now.

Lavinia cries softly.

TITUS (CONT’D)

I will avenge my brother’s death, only then will I be truly free.

LAVINIA

I will fight by your side.

Titus actually smiles. A moment between them. Broken as Quintus and Valerius enter.

QUINTUS

We’ve mapped out a route to the city gates. We’ll be traveling by chariot. We move tonight.

They walk off.

TITUS

We should try to get some sleep. If we can.

INT. GARRISON – NIGHT

Guards line the walls with bow and arrows, peering out into the dark streets, watching for Zombies.

EXT. GARRISON – NIGHT

Around a corner, hidden from sight —

Flavius peers at the Garrison, angry, thinking, plotting.

He turns back into an ALLEY. Lets out a guttural wail. From the surrounding shadows, ZOMBIES emerge. Flavius raises his arm, pounding his chest in the Roman salute and shrieks. The Zombies all pound their chest with their fists.

INT. GARRISON – LATER

Titus sleeps on a blanket — with his arm draped over Lavinia, who sleeps next to him.

A shadow falls over him. Titus snaps awake, alert. He relaxes when he sees it’s Lucius.

LUCIUS

Time to go.

Titus quickly pulls his arm off Lavinia. An awkward moment as they separate.

Then the chariots roll out. Pulled by horses. Three riders to a chariot. Quintus rides with Valerius. Lavinia rides with a pair of soldiers. Titus and Lucius ride in a third cart with another soldier.

They roll along under the moonlight, flanked by marching foot soldiers. An impressive convoy.

The occasional dark figure runs out from a building or alley, spooking the soldiers. Faces appear in windows. But they are just humans, hiding.

Several CITIZENS run alongside the soldiers, pleading.

YOUNG ROMAN

Please, take us with you. Save us from those monsters.

QUINTUS

We are saving you, Citizens! Rome shall not fall!

The chariots move faster, soldiers jogging alongside. They come around a corner AND —

VALERIUS

Whoa!!

— he signals the entire convoy to a full STOP.

On the opposite end of the wide avenue —

It’s Flavius. Standing in his own chariot. Flanked by his own, roguish Zombie army. Wearing an assortment of armor, carrying weapons now. Blocking the street.

Flavius locks his red eyes on Titus once more.

TITUS

Somebody thinks he still owns this town.

VALERIUS

That’s the only direct route to the city gates.

TITUS

Then that’s the one we’re taking.

He goes for his sword, then notices —

A PILEUM. A lethal javelin, attached to the chariot. He looks behind and sees the other soldiers carrying them. He takes it out, raising it high.

TITUS (CONT’D)

Pileum

The Garrison Soldiers all raise their own Pileum.

QUINTUS

What are you doing?

TITUS

Dead or alive, they’re still soldiers. And we shall fight them as soldiers.

He locks eyes with Valerius, who nods.

TITUS (CONT’D)

Aim for the head!

He snaps the reins and his chariot takes off, right at the Zombie blockade.

Valerius spurs his horse on, leading his men after Titus.

With a shriek, Flavius and his Zombie army charge forward.

The two armies come at one another. Noise building to a fever pitch.

TITUS (CONT’D)

Ready…Now!

At once, Titus and the other soldiers hurl the javelins. A horde of spike spears fly — WHOOSHING PAST — and impaling several of the Zombies in the head.

The Zombies go down, skewered.

Titus and the Soldiers snap the reins of the horses, driving the chariots on.

VALERIUS

Charioteers! Wheels!

The Charioteers pull handles in the chariots — and LONG BLADES SPRING OUT FROM THE WHEEL AXLES. SPINNING LIKE JAGGED DRILLS. Ready to churn and slash everything alongside the chariots. Titus pulls his sword.

TITUS

Swords!

The Soldiers pull their swords.

TITUS (CONT’D)

Cut them from above and below!

The chariots head right for the small army of Zombies —

And they COLLIDE IN BATTLE!

The AXLE BLADES cut into the Zombie’s legs and torsos, shearing the creatures in half. They crawl and slither along the ground.

Soldiers follow, swinging swords and axes, hacking off heads.

In the middle of the chaos — Flavius spots Titus. They lock eyes again. Flavius urges on his Zombie-chariot.

But it smashes into the mob, getting stuck. Giving Titus just enough time to ride off down the street.

TITUS (CONT’D)

This way!

The rest of the convoy — whoever’s still human — follows him, through the forest of mangled bodies.

Racing away toward the city gates.

TITUS (CONT’D)

That’s it! Keep moving!

Quintus sees the gates up ahead.

QUINTUS

We did it! Praise the Gods —

LAVINIA

— Or damn them again.

She points. They all turn, looking behind them —

These Zombies just won’t give up.

Flavius and his army are charging after the convoy at inhuman speed. Their numbers growing now, with the Zombie-Garrison soldiers in the pack.

The chariots pick up speed, pulling away from the foot soldiers. The poor guys run, looking over their shoulders —

As Flavius and his Zombie army close in on them, gaining.

Titus glances back, wincing.

TITUS

Those poor devils.

Sure enough, within moments, the Zombies catch up to the Foot Soldiers. The brave men turn and fight.

But it’s not these men that Flavius and his Zombies are after. They hit the wall of foot soldiers and plow through them. Biting some, knocking down others, tearing them apart. Never stopping, continuing to chase after the chariots.

After Titus and Quintus!

Flavius blasts through in his chariot, shrieking. They race down the street, leaping onto rooftops as they run.

Titus spurs on his chariot horse.

TITUS (CONT’D)

Faster!

Zombies leap off the roofs, diving onto the chariots. The Garrison Soldiers fight them off, trying to keep moving.

Titus pulls up next to Quintus and Lavinia’s chariots.

TITUS (CONT’D)

We must keep going! The gates are just ahead!

They take off at a gallop. It’s just a few chariots now, trying to out run the Zombies.

UP AHEAD — THE CITY GATES ARE CLOSE.

VALERIUS

There!!!

Valerius lifts a TRUMPET, puts it to his lips and LETS OUT A CODED BLAST OF NOTES. Alerting the soldiers at the gates.

QUINTUS

We’re going to make it…We’re going to make it!

At that moment there’s a CRACKING sound as Lavinia’s chariot takes a curb. The axle splits, the chariot goes flying.

Lavinia and the two soldiers are tossed out. Their chariot wrecks. Zombies are closing in.

LAVINIA

TITUS!

Titus looks back, sees her grab a sword to protect herself.

He looks behind her, sees Flavius in his chariot.

He glances to the gates up ahead. So close.

There’s a split second of hesitation. Mind racing.

But there’s no way he can leave her. He pulls the reins of his horse, slowing his chariot.

In the chariot next to him, Quintus sees —

QUINTUS

What are you doing?

TITUS

Exercising my freedom.

Titus heads for Lavinia. She stands in the street, fighting off Zombies with a sword.

Flavius races forward in his chariot. He sees Titus coming. Roars. The two men…the two chariots…headed on a collision course, right at each other.

TITUS (CONT’D)

Lavinia!

He reaches out, ready to grab her. His chariot gets to her.

JUST AS FLAVIUS GETS THERE AS WELL!

Titus pulls Lavinia into his chariot. But at the same time — Flavius reaches down and pulls out a small thin dagger. He holds the dagger up to Titus, as if to say, “you were going to kill me once with one of these.”

Titus yanks Lavinia into the car, just as Flavius throws the dagger. It embeds itself into Lavinia’s shoulder as she cries out in pain. Titus spurns the chariot beside Flavius’s.

The spiked axle on Titus’s chariot shear through Flavius’s chariot, toppling it over.

Titus and Lavinia ride off.

Flavius screams and prods his Zombies. They right his chariot and get it turned around. Then pull it forward, like a team of horses, gathering speed. UP AHEAD —

Titus spurs on his horse. His chariot races forward. Titus screams to the soldiers lining the wall.

Just as Flavius gets there. He smashes into the wall. And a shower of ARROWS rains down on him and his Zombies.

Zombies go down left and right, pinned by arrows.

Flavius lets out another primal scream, arms wide, seemingly oblivious to the arrows stabbing in all over his body.

He screams at the fortified gate. He smashes it with his fists, trying to get in.

More arrows rain down. Until he’s like a pincushion, his body covered. He falls, overwhelmed. His minions finally grab him and pull him away.

Within moments, the street clears. The Zombies run off. Silence as the soldiers on the gate stare down.

INT. CITY GATES – NIGHT

Titus drags Lavinia from the chariot to a resting area. He cradles her in his arms.

TITUS

Are you all right?

She nods, looking up at him.

LAVINIA

You saved my life.

TITUS

Now we’re even.

They look down — at her shoulder. Where Flavius’s dagger’s embedded.

TITUS (CONT’D)

Prepare yourself.

He grabs the hilt of the dagger and pulls it out. She screams and faints.

EXT. ROME – MORNING

The sun rises over the majestic city. Packs of wild Zombies roam the streets, looking for human flesh. Here and there, humans peer out from hiding spots, unsure what to do.

Flavius, for now, is nowhere to be seen.

INT. CITY GATES – EMPEROR’S ROOM – DAY

In the fortified confines of the Aurelian Wall, Quintus has set up a makeshift “Emperor’s Room” — with a throne, servants running around, lots of Guards.

He hovers over a large map table, placing small, wooden soldiers around — a mock view of the city and his troops.

Valerius enters, bows to Quintus.

VALERIUS

We have word from all four legions. Twenty thousand men are on route and should be here by nightfall. I’ve sent word to every other soldier still in Rome, ordering them to report to the Aurelian Walls. We have the city locked down. No creature can get out.

QUINTUS

Well done, Valerius. I’ll have you know that the senate shall be rebuilt. Order will be restored. And your services shall not go unnoticed in this crisis.

Lavinia lies on a cot in a room for the wounded, Titus by her side. Her arm and shoulder’s bandaged. She drinks from a goblet.

TITUS

It will ease the pain.

He undoes the bandage. The wound’s red and puffy, but the bleeding has ceased.

LAVINIA

Does it look worse?

TITUS

We are lucky you weren’t bitten.

Lavinia smiles at his attempt to be soothing.

LAVINIA

Oh, sure. A dagger embedded to the hilt in my flesh, is so much better…

He laughs. She smiles.

TITUS

Most people would not find cause to be happy.

LAVINIA

It’s just your everyday zombie battle wound–

Titus laughs again. Titus take her hand, grips it firmly.

TITUS

The world thinks of gladiators as animals. Barbarians. But in the Colosseum, we’ve created a code. When we fight alongside each other — no matter who the man, no matter what our past — we fight for each other until the end. We protect each other. You fought alongside me. You saved my life. Now I intend to save yours.

It got me thinking. If he really was the first, then we need to find out how Flavius made him a zombie.

QUINTUS

Indeed.

TITUS

I saw my brother die. I know he was dead. How did he become this creature? This undead creature.

QUINTUS

If we find the source, we can defeat them?

TITUS

It’s worth a try.

QUINTUS

I think it’s folly.

TITUS

You have what you wanted. You have your war. You are now Caesar. It’s time to end this.

Quintus points toward the city.

QUINTUS

By tomorrow this time, I’ll be launching an all out assault on anything not human. First we take back this city. Then we can worry about your origin.

Titus considers.

TITUS

How many more people have to die? How many more turned to zombies? We can end this now if we find the beginning.

QUINTUS

It’s not that easy.

He steps toward the doorway. Titus blocks his path. A moment of tension between the men.

TITUS

It’s worth a chance.

QUINTUS

You fool! Don’t you see the opportunity we have? I need this war. For my legacy. I will be the Emperor that saved Rome!

Titus points toward the city.

TITUS

What about the people of Rome? Those Romans who live in the city you claim to care so much about? Do they deserve to die?

QUINTUS

This is the only solution to a mistake — made by the former emperor, who will soon be taken care of along with the rest of his bestial horde.

TITUS

What if there was another way? What if you could save all those people? Bring Rome back without a bloody massacre? Flavius is the man who brought this plague upon Rome. But you, Quintus will be the man who saved the people from it. What kind of emperor would that make you?

Quintus broods. It’s appealing. But not entirely smart.

QUINTUS

End this without war. Without further bloodshed? Save the people and in turn save Rome.

TITUS

Give me twenty-four hours. If I don’t come up with the answer, you move in with your army as planned.

QUINTUS

There was rumor that Arrias had the ear of Flavius. That he was selling secrets. Maybe he knows a few of Flavius’s secrets as well.

TITUS

I can look into it.

Quintus considers it.

QUINTUS

Very well. It’s a good place to start. Twenty-four hours. Then we move in. With or without you.

Titus turns to leave.

QUINTUS (CONT’D)

It’s ironic.

TitUS

What is?

QUINTUS

In an empire where it’s leaders are at war, it’s a gladiator that is filling in as the envoy of peace.

Titus nods and exits.

INT. HOSPITAL – DAY

Titus gets Lavinia up and out of bed. She holds onto him a moment, dizzy. Then recovers.

LAVINIA

I’m fine. I don’t need help.

She crosses the room, grabs her crossbow. Titus grabs his sword. Lucius enters, looks at both of them.

LUCIUS

I just spoke with the emperor. He told me a crazy story about a man planning to sneak back into Rome, hoping to find the origin of the zombies.

Titus and Lavinia look at each other, shrug.

TITUS

What can I say? I’ve always been a fool for a good fight.

LAVINIA

Me, too.

LUCIUS

He gave me a bag of gold and a horse. Wished me good luck as a free man…if that was still my plan.

TITUS

What did you say?

Lucius cracks a devilish grin.

LUCIUS

I said, freedom was starting to look boring.

He steps forward, holds out his hand. Titus grabs it in a manly shake. Sealing their fate together.

INT. ARMORY – DAY

Titus and the gladiators stand in a room filled floor to ceiling with ARMOR and WEAPONS.

The guys smile. AND CUT TO:

Arms strapping on wrist guards.

Breast plates being belted.

Leg guards belted.

Titus puts on a full Thracian helmet.

EXT. CITY GATES – INSIDE ROME – DAY

The door opens. Archers stand around the doorway, facing out, ready to fire on any Zombies.

Titus, Lavinia and Lucius are now covered, head to toe, in lethal-looking Roman armor. They look like the Roman version of a bad ass Black Ops team, which is what they are.

Finally, they step out of the door, back into the streets of Rome. They raise their weapons, look around. The doors CLANG shut behind them.

Titus nods and they run off, down an alley. They pause, looking around again.

LAVINIA

Did we really just break back inside this place?

TITUS

I think we did.

He nods again. They rush off.

INT. CITY GATES – DAY

Quintus stands with Valerius — peering through a defensive opening. They can see the Roman streets, where Titus ran.

VALERIUS

Sire, should we not send in a squad of guards with them?

QUINTUS

He’s a stubborn fool on a suicide mission. No, we should not send anyone along with them.

VALERIUS

But if he’s right. If there’s a way to end this without further bloodshed…

QUINTUS

It’s a fool’s folly. There’s only one way to end this and that’s if we wipe every last one of them off the face of Rome. We move forward as planned. We’re going to war.

EXT. IMPERIAL PALACE – DAY

As if he can sense the showdown coming, Flavius stands in front of the palace, gazing down on the city.

In the distance, he can see the AURELIAN WALLS. See glimpses of the Roman troops, moving about inside.

He turns — to reveal behind him, the Palace compound — where his own army of Zombies has grown to a shocking size, in the thousands. Flavius bangs his chest with his fist, raises his hand and lets out a ROAR.

The army roars back, their shrieks filling the air.

Flavius gives a signal — and a large group of Zombies files past Flavius, onto the HILLSIDE in front of the palace.

And then, for some reason, they start to dig. All around the hill, digging holes with their bare hands.

INT. ROMAN TEMPLE – DAY

Titus and the Gladiators, run through some corridors, then duck under a huge STATUE OF JUPITER, the greatest of the Roman Gods.

They huddle together on an ORNATE RUG at his feet, hiding. As the Zombies race past them. Into the distance, still hunting, out-smarted.

TITUS

I think we lost them.

Lucius notices something —

LUCIUS

What about him?

He points up into the CUPOLA of the temple, where a FIGURE in a HOODED ROBE stares down at them, face obscured. He bangs a stick against a wall, making a signal —

— where they land on the basement floor, hard, stunning them. Their weapons scatter. They gain their senses and look around through the dark basement, to see —

THEY ARE SURROUNDED. A group of FIGURES dressed in HOODED ROBES, faces shrouded. Some holding torches. Others holding spears, pointed at our heroes.

Titus raises his hands, defensive.

TITUS

We’re not zombies! We’re human!

There’s a pause. Finally, one of the figures lowers his hood, revealing a human face — that’s been painted with streaks of blood. CICERO, the temple’s priest.

CICERO

Forgive our suspicions.

TITUS

We’ve come from the city gates. There’s safety there.

CICERO

There is no safety. Not from the curse that has befallen us. This plague is a warning sent down from the Gods. It is to the Gods that we must seek salvation.

TITUS

You don’t understand. The emperor is unleashing an assault on the city. The army is going to march through and kill anything in its path, human or Zombie. You’ll all be murdered.

CICERO

We fear no army of man. Come and pray with us.

TITUS

We are looking for a Senator named Arrias.

From across the temple basement, a FIGURE steps out of the darkness, pulling back his hood.

It’s ARRIAS, the Senator.

ARRIAS

He speaks the truth. I know this man.

TITUS

Yes! That’s him!

Cicero pauses, candle in hand.

CICERO

Arrias, how do you know him?

ARRIAS

He’s the Gladiator from the Colosseum. They call him the Champion of the People. He’s the first zombie’s brother.

The others react with surprise, realizing who Titus is.

CICERO

How do you know?

ARRIAS

I was there. I know that this was a curse from the Gods. I saw with my own eyes as Flavius laid Tiberius’s body down on an altar as a sacrifice to the God Orcus.

TITUS

Can you lead us to the altar?

ARRIAS

Yes, I remember. It’s on Palatine Hill, in the Tomb of Orcus. But we must approach it from the East, on the other side of the Imperial Palace.

LuciuS

The fastest way is through the Colosseum.

EXT. STREETS OF ROME – DAY

Arrias leads Titus and Lucius through the streets.

Arrias peers around a corner, sees that it’s clear. He motions to Titus and Lucius. They hurry down the street.

Further down they see two Zombie Kids eating a dead human CORPSE, down to the bone. Lost in devouring.

So that they both jump when — a big, grown-up Zombie springs upon them, hissing! The Zombie kids shriek and run off. The big Zombie hunches down to chew on the corpse and —

WHACK! AN AXE flies through the air, separating the Zombie’s head from its body. Lucius walks up to the axe, pulling it out of the wall.

ARRIAS

This is it.

INT. COLOSSEUM – HYPOGEUM – DAY

Two Zombies move through the corridors in the subterranean level of Colosseum, looking around — it’s Victor, the gladiator trainer and CAIUS, another Gladiator.

Around a corner, Lavinia steps out in front of them.

LAVINIA

Hey, boys. Looking for something to eat?

Their eyes light up at the sight and smell of a human. The two of them let out Zombie shrieks and run at her.

But halfway there — Titus and Arrias and pop up from hiding spots. They raise crossbows, loaded with arrows.

ZING! They let the arrows fly, striking the Zombies in the head.

The Zombies stumble and howl in surprise. The two Zombies fall to the ground, dead.

Titus

We made it to the Colosseum, now we just have to get Arrias to the other side, to Palatine Hill.

Titus turns to Lucius, who now wears a severe expression.

LUCIUS

I’m sorry, Titus. But there’s been a change of plans. I was told to notify Quintus if we ever found Arrias. I told him we were going to the Colosseum.

Quintus appears, flanked by ROMAN SOLDIERS.

QUINTUS

Well done, gladiator.

Then, from around the area, a PLATOON OF ROMAN SOLDIERS appear, weapons drawn, lead by Valerius.

The Soldiers grab them all, before anyone can pull their weapons. Arrows and swords pointed at Titus, he drops his blade. Titus looks at Quintus, incredulous.

TITUS

Quintus, what is this?

QUINTUS

Politics. Something you still do not understand. More than anything else, Rome respects power. They respect an emperor who is not afraid to wield that power. If I were to end the war now, before it were even to begin, they would say Quintus is a compassionate ruler. A civilized ruler. They would love me. But they would not fear me. However, if I bring in the army, massacre these creatures and then deliver. In essence, save the city…I will be loved and feared.

TITUS

Not if I have any say about it.

QUINTUS

You won’t. You see that’s the other thing. I can’t have people telling stories of the mighty Titus, who risked his life to find a way to save Rome from the war with the army of the dead. You would be celebrated in song and poems for years to come. You would be made a God. There’s one thing that Flavius said which was true. There is room in Rome for only one God. And now, it’s me.

He smiles a savage smile.

QUINTUS (CONT’D)

You also, as luck would have it, saved me the effort of finding the only Senator with enough favor to interfere with my ascension to the throne. Now all paths are clear to my rule.

(to the Soldiers)

Take them away.

Titus glares at Quintus, as the Soldiers take them away.

TITUS

This isn’t over…Senator.

QUINTUS

I’m afraid it is for you…Slave.

EXT. COLOSSEUM – DAY

Outside the Colosseum, the FIRST LEGION of Roman soldiers file past in a war column. Five thousand men, heavily armed, marching toward battle.

Off to the side, there’s a group of horse drawn WAR WAGONS waiting, including THE ROYAL CARRIAGE — a huge, ornate wagon, with a throne in the middle.

Titus, Lavinia, Arrias are chained between a pair of war wagons.

Quintus stands with Lucius, Valerius and the soldiers. He puts a proud hand on Lucius.

QUINTUS

You’ve done well, young man. Your name will be written in my story — how I saved Rome from the plague of demons.

He extends his hand. Lucius bows, kissing his ring.

LUCIUS

Thank you, emperor.

Quintus survey the soldiers.

QUINTUS

Wait until I’m gone…then execute them. Burn the bodies and spread the ashes.

(nods at Titus)

I don’t want any lasting piece of that man left in Rome.

VALERIUS

But sire, if they really can end this without any bloodshed…Why wait?

QUINTUS

Like I said, it’s a fool’s errand.

VALERIUS

But sire…

QUINTUS

I do not seek counsel from lowly soldiers! Do as you’re told, Centurion! Do I make myself clear?

Valerius backs down.

VALERIUS

Yes, Caesar.

Quintus climbs into the royal carriage, slipping comfortably into the throne. He calls to his DRIVER.

QUINTUS

To battle!

The driver whips the horses and they trot off, pulling Quintus in his royal carriage.

Valerius walks up to Titus, sword ready…but clearly, concerned about the task he’s just been given.

TITUS

Valerius, no one has to die. Quintus has the power to end this. You must let us go, so we can stop him. You know it in your heart.

He raises his sword, ready to kill Titus.

VALERIUS

Legion! Prepare the prisoners.

The soldiers move in, ready to execute Titus and his group.

TITUS

Just know that you may kill me here today, but what you let that man do will burn forever in Rome…and in your soul.

Valerius hesitates, but clearly he is torn.

From behind, Lucius barks at him.

LUCIUS

The emperor gave his orders. Kill them!

(to Titus)

Sorry, my friend. I guess you have to die after all.

(to Valerius)

Do it!

Valerius nods to his men. None of them want to do this, but what choice do they have?

VALERIUS

On my mark…

Lavinia grabs Titus’s arm.

LAVINIA

May the Gods bless your soul.

TITUS

And yours.

VALERIUS

Three…Two —

Valerius suddenly turns toward Lucius, sword raised.

VALERIUS (CONT’D)

One!

The Soldiers all turn, their arrows trained on Lucius.

LUCIUS

What are you doing?

VALERIUS

What’s right.

Lucius suddenly pulls a dagger, ready to stab Valerius —

When he’s ATTACKED BY A MOB OF ZOMBIES!

Twenty zombies just swarm on the soldiers and take them down in a screaming, bloody mess. Zombies bite them, claw them, trying to get through their body armor.

Valerius leaps back, as Lucius and the Soldiers are torn apart.

TITUS

Valerius! Quickly!

Valerius grabs a ring of keys from a fallen Soldier’s belt and unlocks them.

— Flavius sees that his Zombies have scored a surprise hit…and gives his next signal. Another shriek, directed behind him — that unleashes the other THOUSAND ZOMBIES all hidden inside the palace.

With a tremendous ROAR, they rush from the palace —

EXT. IMPERIAL PALACE – HILLSIDE – DAY

— and scurry down the hill, into the battle, joining their fellow Zombies who are now growing in ranks.

Finally, Flavius appears at the top of Palatine Hill. He looks down at the battle, then past it —

Until he sees Quintus in the royal carriage below. Flavius lets out a snarl and rushes down into the fray. A team of Zombies follows him.

AT THE BASE OF THE HILLSIDE —

Quintus watches in horror as the battle gets ugly.

He steps down from his chariot.

QUINTUS

For the love of Rome, kill them!!

He comes up to an Archer —

QUINTUS (CONT’D)

Shoot! Shoot!

ARCHER

Sire, we have no clear shot. Our men are pinned on the hill.

QUINTUS

I said shoot!!

The Archer nods, the barks out commands to his men. The move up in a line and take position. They draw their bows and FIRE. Arrows fill the air —

LANDING UP ON THE HILLSIDE — striking Zombies…and Roman soldiers. The soldiers go down, wounded. The Zombies stumble and roar — but then simply fight on, with arrows sticking out of their bodies.

Quintus watches in horror. His attention’s drawn as —

THE WAR WAGONS RIDE INTO THE AREA.

The war wagons pull up. Titus and the others dismount, look at the carnage on the hill.

VALERIUS

It’s a slaughter.

TITUS

Not if we get to the Tomb.

Titus looks at Lavinia.

TITUS (CONT’D)

I suppose you’ll want to come, too?

LAVINIA

You know better than to ask that.

Titus and Lavinia run off…

TOWARD THE TOMB OF ORCUS, in the distance. Twin pillars mark the entrance to the Tomb on the side of Palatine Hill.

Quintus takes off after them.

EXT. Entrance to the tomb of orcus – DAY

Quintus reaches the entrance at the same time as Titus and Lavinia. Titus turns around and faces Quintus, sword raised.

TITUS

Looks like the road ends here, Quintus.

QUINTUS

You would raise a sword to your Emperor?

TITUS

You are not my Emperor.

QUINTUS

Get away from that entrance or I will call upon my legion to bring these pillars down. You would be trapped.

TITUS

Men are being slaughtered on that hillside. Zombies and humans. You can stop it, right now.

QUINTUS

You don’t know that for certain.

TITUS

Give us a chance.

QUINTUS

And have the people be saved by a mere slave? I can’t have you taking all my glory.

TITUS

Is that why you wanted Flavius dead? Because he did not give you the glory you rightly deserved.

QUINTUS

I have news for you my friend. I have always ruled. You think Flavius knew the first thing about governing? About politics? His mistake is that he forgot who his teacher was.

His words echo off the walls of the entrance. Followed by a ZOMBIE SHRIEK —

As Flavius himself appears, high up on a wall. He shrieks again. Five other Zombies appear next to him.

And all at once, they leap from the walls!

QUINTUS (CONT’D)

NO!

Flavius leaps at Quintus, soaring through the air, arms outstretched, bloody robes flowing in the wind.

He lands right on top of Quintus. At the last moment, Quintus raises his dagger, stabbing Flavius right through the eye. Flavius rears up, dagger protruding from his face.

Quintus scrambles away, headed right for Titus.

Titus grabs him and pulls him through the entrance and down into the tomb. Lavinia follows.

Flavius leaps after them again —

Int. TOMB OF ORCUS – same

Quintus, Lavinia and Titus fall into the room. The room’s circular with torches lining the walls. Firelight dances on their faces. Quintus is in sheer horror.

Slowly, Flavius steps forward into the room with several zombies following him.

The zombies block the exit.

Titus and Lavinia raise their swords and put the altar between them and their enemies.

Flavius jumps up on top of the altar, just as Titus steps forward and swings high…

CUTTING off Flavius’s arm with the Bracer of Orcus!

The arm with the Bracer flies into the corner.

FLAVIUS screams a Zombie death scream.

Ext. IMPERIAL PALACE – HILLSIDE – DAY

The SCREAM echoes throughout the battlefield. Instantly, the fast focused zombies turn into slow meandering zombies. The Zombies no longer being lead by their master.

Int. TOMB OF ORCUS – same

Flavius stands on the altar bleeding not blood but a viscus grey thick liquid onto the stone.

An inhuman guttural, etherial howl emanates from within the bowels of Lepercal Cave.

Everyone in the room looks on in terror as the spirit of the god of the undead rises from the floor. Orcus, dust forming the ghostly skeletal wraith, materializes before them.

Orcus

You’ve come to offer your mortal body as a vessel for the mighty Orcus. You have proven worthy and have served me well, Flavius! It is time for us to be as one! I shall be unchained from this tomb. Free to walk the earth. I will now hold dominion over the Living and the Dead.

Titus and Lavinia look at each other.

LaVINIA

That can’t be good.

Orcus floats over and enters the body of Flavius. The dust enters every pore.

Flavius grows bigger. He SCREAMS as he metamorphoses into the God of the Undead, Orcus, but a much more terrifying and grotesque version of the God.

Orcus-Flavius turns and reaches out to the zombies around him. He tears all the arms off the squirming zombies and attaches them to his body.

The zombies hit the ground in pieces.

The monster’s transformation is complete. It is horror identified. A monstrous combination of zombie flesh.

Lavinia puts her hand on Titus’s arm.

LaVINIA (CONT’D)

What do we do?

TITUS

If it’s mortal, it can be killed. It’s time to avenge my brother. I will endure.

LAVINIA

Let death fear us!

TITUS

I must face this alone.

LAVINIA

Like Hell you will. Remember, “fight for each other until the end”.

TITUS

This is not your fight.

LAVINIA

If it’s your fight, I fight as well.

She kisses Titus. He nods, concerned but resolved. Then, he turns to face Orcus, now fully transformed into a mortal monster.

Titus pulls the shield higher up on his arm and swings the sword.

Orcus

Now, I’m the ruler of this world. My army shall sweep across every land.

TITUS

I can’t let that happen.

ORCUS

Are you so foolish, as to face me?

TITUS

For the people of Rome, absolutely.

Orcus pulls a giant axe off the wall and swings it at Titus. Titus rolls to the side, just as the axe slices into the altar, crushing it to dust.

OrCUS

Foolish mortal. I am a God!

TITUS

Not anymore, you’re not. You’re mortal, as well.

ORCUS

Behold, my wrath!

Orcus waves his hands and the floor splits open revealing…

AN ENTRANCE TO THE UNDERWORLD! A flaming fiery pit with a lava bottom.

Lavinia slides into the pit, just about to disappear into the chasm, but is caught at the last moment by Titus. He slowly pulls her up to the tomb floor.

OrCUS (CONT’D)

I open the underworld itself and call upon all the souls to come forth and serve me!

SPIRITS, TORTURED SOULS AND SCREAMING BANSHEES fly out of the pit!

Ext. IMPERIAL PALACE – HILLSIDE – DAY

Spirits, tortured souls, and screaming banshees fly out of the tomb and flood the battlefield. They terrorize the soldiers and Roman centurions. The battle sways again in favor of the dead and undead as they join forces against the living.

Valerius points to the tomb, the source of the evil and waves Arrias and others toward the entrance.

Int. TOMB OF ORCUS – same

Titus, all fury and frustration, screams a gladiator scream and rushes Orcus.

The mighty Behemoth and the gladiator trade heavy blows, but Titus is no match for the monster.

The room is engulfed in rubble as Orcus crushes the walls, altar and floor in an effort to kill Titus.

Titus is battered and bloody and is flung to the opposite wall. He hits the ground hard, losing all strength and breath. He lies there for a moment as if all is lost.

In his last moment of need, he hears his brother’s voice.

Tiberius (OC)

I believe in you. Even if you don’t believe in yourself. What have I always told you? That a Champion is here.

Titus puts his hand to his heart.

ON LAVINIA

Lavinia winded, gets up and rushes Orcus. He picks her up with one hand by the throat and holds her up off the floor, choking the life out of her.

ON TITUS

Titus shakes his head, trying to shake off the pain.

TibERIUS (CONT’D)

You have the heart of a true warrior. You can do this.

He gets up and grits his teeth.

TITUS

Brother, may I honor you today–

Just as Lavinia is about to pass out, Titus jumps over the fiery chasm. Orcus throws her to the ground and swings his mighty axe at Titus.

Just as the axe slices through the air for the last time, Titus pivots sideways and in one fluid and vicious swing, cuts Orcus’s head off.

The head hits the ground and slowly the body falls next to it. Orcus’s mortal body has been beaten. The spirit of Orcus rises for the last time out of the body, like dust settling from the room.

Ext. IMPERIAL PALACE – HILLSIDE – DAY

Spirits, tortured souls, and screaming banshees all scream and howl as they are sent back into the tomb, leaving the zombies to fight on their own once more.

Int. TOMB OF ORCUS – same

A rush of air and heat as spirits, tortured souls, and screaming banshees fly back into the underworld.

The dust, once more forms to that of a Skeletal Wraith, then floats on the air for one long moment before disappearing back down into the hole where it came from.

The hole seals up again.

Lavinia gets up and hugs Titus. They breathe one last sigh of relief. The battle is over.

Forgotten, Quintus coughs and wipes the dust from his clothes. He stands, looks at Orcus’s dead body. He reaches down and picks up a sword.

QUINTUS

Maybe the Gods had a plan for us after all. When I give my first speech as emperor of the new Rome, I’ll make sure this moment is immortalized. I hope you don’t mind if I mention my own name as the slayer of the God of the Undead!

To Quintus’s surprise, it’s Lavinia who responds.

LAVINIA

And I’ll make sure that never happens.

She steps forward and lunges with her sword, stabbing Quintus right through the heart. He gasps, mortally wounded.

Lavinia glares into his eyes.

LAVINIA (CONT’D)

This IS the new Rome.

Quintus slides off the sword and falls to the ground, dead.

From behind them, there’s a commotion — as Valerius, Arrias and others arrive.

They stop, gazing at the horror, with zombies, Flavius-Orcus and Quintus all dead on the dirt floor.

EXT. IMPERIAL PALACE – HILLSIDE – DAY

The battle continues to rage but all the zombies have changed from the ravenous quick agile zombies to the lumbering brainless slow zombies.

The tide turns in favor of the Romans once more as the soldiers easily dispatch the slow lumbering creatures.

Ext. Rome – days later

The city is recovering. PEOPLE are just now coming out of their homes and gathering together to clean up the once great city.

It is a time of healing.

Ext. Pit – same

SOLDIERS dump ZOMBIE BODIES into a flaming pit. The smoke carries into the skies.

More smoke can be seen from another pit some distance away from this one…

AND ANOTHER…

AND ANOTHER, and another…to reveal DOZENS of these pits throughout the city.

EXT. CITY GATES – DUSK

Titus and Lavinia are on a pair of horses. Valerius says his good-byes.

VALERIUS

The army thanks you, Titus. The People of Rome thank you.

TITUS

Take good care of them for me.

Valerius nods, walks off. They watch him go. Then Titus turns to Lavinia.

TITUS (CONT’D)

Where will you go?

LAVINIA

I was thinking, perhaps going to a farm, marrying a man and bearing a brood of children. You?

He leans over and kisses her.

TITUS

Have you ever seen Crete?

They smile at one another. They ride away from the city gates into the setting sun. Two people, exercising their freedom — getting as far away from Rome as possible.

Int. Tomb of orcus – later

Laying on the dirt floor are two arms; one with the Imperial Ring and the other with the Bracer of Orcus. A hand reaches out, passes over the one with the Ring and picks up the one with the Bracer.

In the firelight, Arrias smiles to himself as he takes the Bracer off the arm and puts it on his own. He throws the zombie arm aside.